New job trying to dramatically change role

[NeededARant]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice. I applied for and was successful in getting a job almost six months ago. I have been enjoying it. However, it has come to my attention people in the organisation are not happy with the structure of things.

The job description said I’d be working with one department and my line manager is the head of that department. For the last six months I’ve been working with that department and enjoying it.

However, it turns out my pay check is coming from another department which my department has some cross over with. I had no idea about this.

The other department understandably wants me to come over to them. Behind the scenes they have been very unhappy with my line manager for apparently using me in his department and arguments have been going on for a while (I had no idea about this).

The other department is different to what was advertised and the hours are also completely different. I am currently on a four day week as advertised but they want me to switch to a five day week, including working on some weekends/evenings.

They are also in a different office and I’ve really bonded with the department/office I am working with.

I have been told there is a meeting to discuss this all next week. I’m very upset by it all to be honest - especially the fact there has been a long running row about me that I knew nothing about. I want to stick to what I’ve been doing and what the job advert said!

Any advice?

What does your contract and offer letter say? Surely this details the hours/days you are working and the line management? If this is the case then I don't see how they can change it.

Thank you for replying. It just lists the hours a week I need to work, which is determined by my line manager. In the interview the hours were explained and that’s what I’ve been working since I started. It’s a 24/7 365 days of the year organisation so people do work all kinds of hours here but the job as advertised was very clear about what days/hours I’d be working.

Actually, reading it again it does specifically say four day week.

Also, does your contract have any kind of “catch-all” clause saying that you may be required to undertake other duties/work other hours depending on the needs of the service (or something on those lines)?

@Clarinet1 Thanks for the reply. Yes it does have a clause that sounds a bit like that.

@NeededARant

It won't hurt to take a look at what comparable jobs there are in the market which most closely match what you want to do - including the four day working week. In your shoes I'd hate having to look for another job after such a short time, but doing some research and going to one or two interviews won't hurt in case you end up getting shafted in your current rather dysfunctional sounding company. 🌹