Forced return to the office

baser999

And subjectively more inconvenient for the employer who’s trying to provide a service and has to pay wages

Dakta

Yeah it doesn't work for everyone but the poster has a point - there are some downsides to remote working and companies are struggling to get people back to the office. There has been a lot of pushback because people got comfortable with temporary covid arrangements.

Beanynut2

I’m in a similar position but my employer is asking me to return to work 2 days a week to a new office a lot further away than my contracted office base  (the new office a further 2 hours each way to get to). My commute time would be 4+ hours each way - can they do this?

Undervalued

Beanynut2 said:

I’m in a similar position but my employer is asking me to return to work 2 days a week to a new office a lot further away than my contracted office base  (the new office a further 2 hours each way to get to). My commute time would be 4+ hours each way - can they do this?

Possibly not, given the distance, as that would most likely be considered further than a tribunal would find reasonable.

However, if they insist you would have to resign and claim unfair dismissal. Note that under these circumstances it is not constructive unfair dismissal despite your resignation.

Seek proper legal advice before going down this route!

Even if you win, a tribunal cannot force the firm to re-employ you on your old terms so, although you would get some compensation you would still be without a job.

MeteredOut

Beanynut2 said:

I’m in a similar position but my employer is asking me to return to work 2 days a week to a new office a lot further away than my contracted office base  (the new office a further 2 hours each way to get to). My commute time would be 4+ hours each way - can they do this?

What does your contract say, or has anything been agreed since you signed that contract regarding a change to your place of work?

Hoenir

Beanynut2 said:

I’m in a similar position but my employer is asking me to return to work 2 days a week to a new office a lot further away than my contracted office base  (the new office a further 2 hours each way to get to). My commute time would be 4+ hours each way - can they do this?

What the the grounds for the relocation of the offices? As cannot just affect just you. Has your employer agreed to reimburse for the additional travels costs that will be incurred or offered any other incentives.