New contract, key project and radio silence.

Steffen.Lindberg

My boss was keen to issue a new contract. I gave my feedback within a few days: it was negative feedback (the contract had clauses that would prevent me from working for unreasonably long period of time after leaving, subscribe for longer hours etc). He has now been on radio silence for more than half a month. Whenever I mention it, he says he will get back to me, but never does. In a weeks' time I will be completing a major project, that will bring the firm a lot of value; I believe I am the only one with the skillset to complete it in the near future. What do I do in this situation?

getmore4less

Carry on working to your current contract.

Undervalued

You need to be very sure that you have specifically rejected the new proposed contract. The default position otherwise is that by continuing to work for the company you have accepted it.

Ultimately, if you cannot reach a compromise, the employer can impose a new contract. Your only options then are to accept it or resign and claim unfair dismissal. A tribunal would decide if the employer has acted reasonably. If not you would get some compensation but the company cannot be ordered to reinstate you on the old terms.

Obviously it depends on the circumstances but very significant changes cane sometimes be held to be reasonable.