to think this isn't OK - work, hours and pay related

[LindorDoubleChoc]

I have a part time job, with a contract, and set hours. Let's say it's 20 hours per week. It's a business like a shop (deliberately being vague), ie I have to be on the premises to work and the business has set opening and closing hours.

My pay is hourly but it is not a 0 hours contract and I am paid monthly. So if my boss decides to close the shop early by one hour one day, can he deduct an hour from my monthly pay?

I'm thinking not, but interested to hear.

No, not if you’re contracted for a set number of hours. You must be paid for those hours, even if your boss does not allocate you as many.

No, he can't dock your pay.

Thank you both very much for replying ... I just needed confirmation before I query last month's payslip!

II your contract states a specific number of weekly or daily hours, the employer has an obligation to provide that work or pay you for it. Cutting your pay because the business closed early without a contractual clause allowing it can count as an unlawful deduction from wages.

Some contracts have a specific clause allowing temporary lay-offs or reduced hours without full pay during emergencies or quiet periods. Ive worked for a call centre on one such contract and we could be sent home if there was not enough business.

How many hours are you contracted for,?

He can close the shop an hour early if he wants, but still need to pay you for the minimum 20h a week you're contracted for (and any worked hours).