Contract amendments while on furlough

jampson10

No I understand their decision to change paying us at 100% is completely acceptable. It was the fact we had very little notice to make any alternative arrangements. I accept it is one of these things in the current climate and cannot be helped. My concerns are more around the changes to my contract which I feel has left me exposed. The wording of the letter addressed to us was very clear ‘ It is essential that you confirm agreement, by return, to allow us to access the scheme and use those funds to support your pay’

My interpretation of this statement is if we did not allow the amendments to our contract we would not be able to access the job retention scheme. It feels I had no choice in signing this. The company do not have a union so I am unsure if there is any case with this or where to turn. 

Thanks 

sharpe106

You could have a look at

https://www.acas.org.uk/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

 Although for more specific advice you will probably need to seek professional advice.

jampson10

Thank you. My concern is the job retention scheme ends, I will be asked to return to work, they may not have a requirement for me so my hours will be reduced to suit the business forcing me to resign as I will not be able to afford to work on reduced contract. This way they get rid of me without having to pay a penny redundancy! I have been with the company 10 years. Seems a tad unfair

sharpe106

It is unfair but that is what you agreed to. As you have signed it you have agreed to it. Your only real option now is seek professional advice on how you can challenge it, i.e. you signed under duress.

EssJayD

Sounds to me like they didn't already have a lay off or short time working clause in their contracts and this is an easy quick way of shoehorning it in for the future and sidetracking consultation to gain agreement.  Not great as they should consult etc before enforcing changes which can be a bit drawn out (which they can do at any time if justifiable, they'd just dismiss and offer to re-engage those who refuse to agree)