Can they just change my hours as they please?

[IAmOptimusPrime]

I am a single parent working in a non profit committee run pre-school. My employment letter and contract state the specific days I work, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

I really do love my job and having specific days means I can arrange breakfast club places etc. I received an email to say from September I will be working Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I know the girl who was originally employed to work Fridays now doesn't want to, nor do I want to have to change my hours.

Where do I stand on this? I'm really cross but don't want to go all guns blazing without knowing the facts. Please can anyone advise me?

Many thanks

Anyone?

Yes they can do this.

Usually they will give you 13 weeks notice which is legal.

Not sure where the 13 weeks notice has come from as that isn't a statutory notice period for any change to terms and conditions?

It would be best practice to consult with you and discuss the reasons for change and potential concerns you may have; sending you a letter is a bit of a cop out.

Changes to terms and conditions can be made giving 'reasonable' notice, which for you, may be several weeks, for someone else may be only a week. As long as the organisation are listening to any concerns you have, legally they can change your working pattern.

If you are not happy with the change, raise this with your line manager and put forward alternative options. They still have a right to decline the alternatives but you can see whether between you, you can come to a compromise that suits both you and the organisation.

Hope this helps

Thanks so much. I have no idea why they want to change my hours. The only reason I can think of is the other members of staff who doesn't want to work on a Friday, don't know why she gets to dictate her hours and I can't.

Thank you for the info, it's very helpful even if it is not exactly what I wanted to hear!

If someone else has decided they don't want to work Fridays and that's the reason for the change then it could be contested. It would depend on if the lady has gone through a formal flexible working request which can be submitted by employees with dependents (children or adults, usually elderly) The organisation must review the request and establish if they can honour it (they can decline it on several business grounds). If this lady has submitted such request, they may have agreed to her change but failed to consult with you correctly.

Find out the reasons for the change first and post back. I can advise from there on if they've messed up a bit and what you can do next (or PM me)