Request to reduce hours

Mistermeaner

fair is an entirely subjective viewpoint and has no basis in law

likewise you and your son know nothing about the circumstances surrounding others requests nor do you have any rights to know hence cannot be in a position to judge what is “fair”. Even if “fair” mattered what is fair for one may not be for another.

Just hypothetical of course but each of those other employees could be visiting sick children in hospital or under going gender reassignment therapy or having treatment for terminal illnesses etc etc

perhaps the employer has done a poor job of explaining their reasons (or perhaps your son hasn’t understood) but I expect they will fall into the category of “business reasons” of which your son does not have a right to be provided details

also Just my humble opinion but he should be seeking his own advice on here or elsewhere not relying on a 3rd party , Even if that’s a loving parent, to get advice. Everything gets lost in translation and he needs to own this completely