Can they just change his work contract? Does anyone know?

[cece]

DH has been given a new contract to sign. It has changed his hours (2 hours extra per week), no pay rise and has also limited his end of year bonus to 2 and half % instead of the negotiated performance linked one he got before. Can they just do that?

There should have been a consultation period for staff, is he a memeber of the union?

No he is not in a union. As for a consultation. There may well have been but he has been on Jury Service since May and this week is the first he has heard of it! It arrived in the post this morning.

No, they can't. Check out the DTI employment law website - think it's called Tiger but you'll find it from the DTI. Also worth checking with ACAS.

Thanks I thought it must be wrong somehow!

Will try both websites now.

ACAS says

How can contracts be varied?

An existing contract of employment can be varied only with the agreement of both parties. Changes may be agreed on an individual basis or through a collective agreement (ie: agreement between employer and employee or their representatives).

An employer who is proposing to change an employee's contract of employment should fully consult with that employee or his or her representative(s) and explain and discuss any reasons for change.

Variations of contract can be agreed verbally or in writing. It is preferable for any agreed changes to be recorded in writing.

Where a variation in the contract has been agreed and the changes concern particulars which must be included in the written statement of terms and conditions, the employer should give written notification of the change to the employee, within a month of the change taking effect.

So it seems they have not done this properly unless they have agreed it with the UNION?????