Where do I stand...

AlanB1979

OK some background...

Started in current job in Nov 2017. I was hired to generate new business for the company (global multi national). As I was the first person to do this role they had nothing in place and I had to somewhat guide them as to what was required for me too succeed in this role.

We agreed on a specific monthly target. I queried where they got the number from but got no answer, I went with it. It soon became apparent that not only was that number not achievable but they were now hiring more to work alongside me, splitting out my "patch" but maintaining the same target. After a few months we managed to get the targets reduced to a more achievable level, things improved and we started to hit target, everyone was happy.

We anticipated the target to rise again however they have just increased it by 44%, this is definitely not achievable and is higher than colleagues in more senior positions. The company are looking to cut costs as they are looking for a buyer this year. I get the impression they are trying to manage people out of the business as best they can. By increasing the target they have made it impossible to hit quarterly target and thus have taken a sizeable amount of money from me that I was sure to earn as I hit target in Jan/Feb. They even attempted to retrospectively start the new target from Jan 1st without telling us, we found out on the quiet about this! I pushed back and they were willing to "compromise" and say new target is in effect from March 1st, was told about this on March 4th

Where do I and my colleagues stand here/ as some of us are there less than 2 years!?

Any help greatly appreciated!!

[Deleted User]

All employees have the right from day 1 to not be sacked for a reason which is "automatically unfair" or because they've been discriminated against, but even if you were ultimately dismissed with less than 2 years continuous service, it doesn't sound as if either of these would apply to you so you don't have any protection - but I think you already know that. However, this begs the question, why doesn't your employer simply terminate the contracts of the employees with less than 2 years' service rather than "manage them out of the business" in any roundabout way? They wouldn't be doing anything illegal.

How did your employer arrive at the 44% increase? It would normally be based on anticipated growth and any annual product/service prices increase, so I think it's entirely reasonable for you to ask your employer how they arrived at this figure. It would also be interesting to know if you contract of employment says anything about sales target setting.

Brynsam

The unhappy reality is that you are standing on shaky ground. If your employer wants to terminate your employment they can - and with under two years' employment, you've got little protection unless you can show the grounds for dismissal are illegal (e.g. unlawful discrimination, which might apply if targets vary purely on grounds of age, gender or race). Doesn't sound as if they are.

ReadingTim

I'm guessing that the bonus scheme is discretionary, which means you have very little comeback in terms of its operation and payout whatsoever. You'd only have any concrete ground in the event its nonpayment would take you below NMW, but that's probably not the case.

The reality is that you have to take a view as to the attractiveness of the role at the new lower level of pay (ie assuming the bonus won't be paid because the target is unachievable), and start looking for other jobs as necessary

Comms69

AlanB1979 wrote: »

OK some background...

Started in current job in Nov 2017. I was hired to generate new business for the company (global multi national). As I was the first person to do this role they had nothing in place and I had to somewhat guide them as to what was required for me too succeed in this role. - fair enough

We agreed on a specific monthly target. I queried where they got the number from but got no answer, I went with it. It soon became apparent that not only was that number not achievable but they were now hiring more to work alongside me, splitting out my "patch" but maintaining the same target. - nothing wrong with that After a few months we managed to get the targets reduced to a more achievable level, things improved and we started to hit target, everyone was happy. - excellent

We anticipated the target to rise again however they have just increased it by 44%, this is definitely not achievable and is higher than colleagues in more senior positions. - irrelevant The company are looking to cut costs as they are looking for a buyer this year. I get the impression they are trying to manage people out of the business as best they can. - they could just sack you tomorrow By increasing the target they have made it impossible to hit quarterly target and thus have taken a sizeable amount of money from me that I was sure to earn as I hit target in Jan/Feb. They even attempted to retrospectively start the new target from Jan 1st without telling us, we found out on the quiet about this! I pushed back and they were willing to "compromise" and say new target is in effect from March 1st, was told about this on March 4th - irrelevant

Where do I and my colleagues stand here/ as some of us are there less than 2 years!?

Any help greatly appreciated!!

Find a new job

Exodi

I think jobs that are solely based on generating new business always offer terrible job security.

At least from what I've seen.