Change in Contracted Hours

psychic_kitten

I'm posting this seeking some advice on behalf of a relative (who I have urged to contact ACAS).

She has been employed at a firm for the last 2.5 years. She was employed in a permanent role initially on 25 hours. After the first month, she was offered 37.5 (full time) hours on a 'temporary' six month basis. She kept being given six month extensions on the full time hours.

In August 2022 (in advance of the six month extension ending September 2022) her direct line manager kept reassuring her "don't worry you're going to get plenty of new work so that we can offer you full time permanently [come the end of September]". During the last week of September, she was told that there was going to be no extension after all and would be reduced to 25 hours the following week. After a discussion with the department director, the offer was extended by three months.

The same thing happened on the run up to the end of those three months. Once again promised by her manager that she would receive more training and more work in order to justify those hours, that promise was not delivered on and so the week before Christmas was told back to 25 hours. The director was not aware of what her manager had been promising and once again extended the offer for another three months.

She has been asking HR this time, to confirm in advance that her hours will be dropping to 25 at the end of March so that she can plan financially and seek part time employment. HR have been unable to clarify and she has been told she will have to wait till the end of March to find out.

There is more back story about the agenda her manager appears to have, but that's somewhat separate.

I appreciate the notice for going back part time is the fact that it only ever was temporary, but is it right that they keep suggesting her hours will remain increased, or not giving her very much notice to confirm what's happening?

Savvy_Sue

psychic_kitten said:

I appreciate the notice for going back part time is the fact that it only ever was temporary, but is it right that they keep suggesting her hours will remain increased, or not giving her very much notice to confirm what's happening?

It may or may not be 'right', but it is sometimes what happens. 

We have a group of staff on fixed term contracts. Their jobs are dependent on a particular funding source. That source often only confirms that we're getting the funding renewed at very short notice. It is far from ideal but what can we do? 

In her case, I'd advise joining a union. https://www.tuc.org.uk/join-a-union

diystarter7

Hi OP

It can happen. Need to look at the T&C's carefully but I'd be surprised if not included

It's great to see an OP that have considered, ACAS as they are good
Also a union is required

Re back story, if you feel their is an agenda, victimisation etc - again the union and ACAS will help

Its a battle possibly so be prepared for battle. Plan ahead and consider their counterstrikes and your responses.

It will be a struggle as it sounds to me a bit of favouritism by the manager etc and it often happens at the workplace though its never right

Thnaks

ps - it could be genuine and they have genuine reasons but this needs to be discussed and advised. Being aware one is not beig victimised foes help if that is the case which is a possibility.