full to part time

nearlyretired · #1 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 16:16

I have been working for my present employer for 20 years I am 3 years away from retirement.

Via my employer I have been working for another company for these 20 years (in effect as a contractor), full time 37 hours per week. I am in a final salary pension scheme.

I think that this company now wants to "employ" me part time 2 or 3 days per week instead of full time. I am happy with this but would need to retire , get made redundant or in some other way take my pension and then continue part time.

Can anyone tell me if my employer can just reduce my hours to (say) 20 per week - without my approval or giving me early retirement or making me redundant?

Both of these companies are large global companies.

Indizine · #2 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 16:44

An employer does have the right to reduce your hours, but they have to follow the correct procedures for proving why it is necessary and having full discussions with you and looking at options. Seek advice from ACAS in confidence.

Kent Tiger · #3 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 18:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by nearlyretired

........... I am in a final salary pension scheme.

Lucky you!

Whatever happens, make sure that is not compromised.

Manaquin · #4 (**permalink**) 22-06-2008, 17:53

I used to be an employment law advisor and its a complicated area. however, i do know that an employer cannot just change your hours as that would be a breach of contract. they would have to discuss any changes to your contract in writing i believe, and you would have to agree to it. if you dont, then they cannot change your contract.simple.

The best place for advice would be the community legal services(ACAS will refer you there anyway) they give free legal advice on all aspects of law if your eligible.

call them on 0845 345 4 345.

Manaquin · #5 (**permalink**) 23-06-2008, 18:36

Oh its also worth mentioning that if your employer does change your contract without your consent, then this could be classed as a dismissal, and you would be entitled to claim unfair dismissal for breach of contract i believe(?) thoug my employment law is rusty, im sure that it is something like that. anyway, if you get a good CLS advisor they will be able to help more