Can they do this to me? Forced job change

[Amy123]

My boss(s) 2x males said to me yesterday that they want me to move into another job under their control. 4 weeks ago they offered me a manager role under them and I refused as I only started working for them 6 months ago and the first 4 weeks of that I was off with stress!

I explained that I had only just got myself a pipeline in the role I'm in (selling to existing customers) and that I didn't want to move, I said this last time time when they offered me the managers job and this time when they offered me the sales persons job.

When I asked what was wrong with staying in the job I was in they uttered the magical words oh it needs to be a full time role from January - I work 4 days a week.

They were shocked that I didn't want to move and I feel they're deliberately pushing me into another job as I would be able to hit the ground running and it would save them an agency fee. Also to complicate matters me and other half do exactly the same job for the company and we're a department of 2 so I'm also thinking they're trying to split us up - which is a bit rich as they put us in these jobs in the first place grrrr.

They've never been very hot on part time working, and this is nearly the final straw.
They say they'll think about it but I'm now worried that even if they back off now they'll be looking for ways to get me out in the future probably far less pleasant ways.

I have legal cover on my house insurance or I could join a union - any advice gratefully received.
Talk about stress or what?

[mumandlovingit]

not sure where you stand but wanted to answer.surely if they gave you the job 6 months ago on a part time basis with a contract they cant just change their minds now?

id be annoyed too.

bumping in the hope that someone has legal knowledge

[Crotchety]

I would certainly join a union - they have all sorts of resources to back you up. And even if you don't call on them it makes you feel better to know you could. How soon do you have to give an answer?

[Amy123]

I've already said no - so now it's a waiting game.
A Union being involved would make them really mad - just a problem with DH working there as well.
Thanks for replies

[Judy1234]

If you had 4 weeks off for stress you're not likely to be their best employee I suppose. Could you go to the same job but do the extra day a week?

And the simple answer is no they can't change what you do unreasonably but they could make you redundant if genuinely the need for that role has gone.

[smittenkitten]

they can (and should) offer you a suitable alternative role if your current rle is increasing to full time. Most contracts will offer flexibility about job role and even if they don't, companies can offer alternative roles to preserve employment. Obviously you are skpetical about why they are saying now it has to be full time/5 days. they ought to have a robust rationale for this 6 months after you've started.

[Amy123]

Hi both
There of course isn't a genuine reason for the need for full time, I do 4 days a week and sometimes 5 when I really have to and at no time have I been to them and said there is to much work.
I really don't want to increase to full time - 2 small children.
The reason I was off with stress was completely work related and when I came back they promised that it would all be different blah blah blah and the reason I went off with stress yet another unplanned and forecd job change.
They're great!!!
Thanks for replies

[MsUnderstood]

You're won't have any legal rights unless you've been in the job a year, have you?

[Amy123]

yep been there 2 years and before a forced 6 month break when they couldn't face having me back part time I was there 10 years!!!

[helenhismadwife]

Hi Amy

have you tried contacting acas for advice and support they are excellent and I recommend them to anyone who has any employment issues, they can tell you your rights etc

www.acas.org.uk

08457 47 47 47 is the helpline number

Helen