Temporary Position

Louis_2uk

I work for a large university that are making numerous people redundant. Can I be forced to work a different position for the length of my notice period - 3 months. 

lincroft1710

What does your contract of employment say about being flexible regarding work duties?

Thrugelmir

You could take the time off as unpaid leave. 

Louis_2uk

Good Morning.
My contract states that I could be required to work in another catering outlet within the university, however the position we are currently being forced to do (Welcome host - Covid-19 Marshals) has no similarity to my contracted position.

Louis_2uk

Thrugelmir.
Thank you for your enlightening response.
I am aware that I could take unpaid leave, it's an option currently under consideration.
I'm also aware that I could catch Covid-19, pass it to my love ones and die, that way the university won't have to pay redundancy money.

Thrugelmir

Louis_2uk said:

I'm also aware that I could catch Covid-19, pass it to my love ones and die, that way the university won't have to pay redundancy money.

No death in service benefit provided ? 

If you are concerned about your loved ones. Life assurance is a cheap way of covering that eventuality. The one certainty in life is that we are going to die of something. Life is a thread that we all hang by.  Make the most of everyday is my motto. 

Louis_2uk

Thrugelmir.
Thank you for your contribution,  someone of your obvious intellect must be inundated by people desperate for your wisdom, I'm surprised you have time to answer my enquiry.......oh no sorry you didn't. If I was a suspicious man I'd be thinking you worked at my university, HR maybe

elsien

Are you in a union? It could fall under the “any other duties” clause which I’m guessing your contract has. 

Although suggesting the university are putting you in a position to catch COVID to avoid paying out redundancy is a little bit of a jump. 

Far more likely that they just need  you in the new role not your current one. 

Louis_2uk

Good Morning Elsien,
Yes I belong to Unite union and have written to them regarding this but unfortunately they have failed to respond.
I will check my contract more closely and contact my house insurance as it provides legal cover / advise. 

elsien

Do they not have an email/contact form or phone contact number? What about the university rep?  Many people are working from home with physical post being checked less frequently so your letter could just be sitting somewhere.
You could ring also  ACAS in the interim. Their advice can be hit and miss but it's a starting point. 

Louis_2uk

Sorry my mistake, I did emailed Unite and I'm still waiting a response.
As for Acas this is also an option I have considered and intend to pursue. But as your rightly stated previously l need to check "other duties"
Although in my unqualified opinion "Other duties" is somewhat open ended and endless in its scope. Why have a contract when you can be moved into any position that suits your employer.
You advice is appreciated, thank you.