pay cut for the same job...

[ilovedaddypig]

My company is currently undergoing a restructure, with job losses. Despite a number of verbal reassurances I was ok, I have now discovered my job has been downgraded, with a proposed pay cut and loss of company car. I'm furious! The job itself is exactly the same - even my boss agrees my day to day responsibilities will not change - thy have just called it a more junior title. I'm the only one in the office, I believe, to be affected this way - two guys on the same band as me previously are not affected at all. I have lodged a challenge, and they have promised to 'review' my 'unfortunate' situation. I'd rather resolve it amicably - I love my job and don't want to take redundancy - and will take legal advice if necessary, to me it seems very wrong but actually I have no idea if it is illegal or not.....
sorry this is long - but any thoughts?

On the face of it no this might not be legal, but devil is in the detail... Get detailed information on what the others jobs are and try to confirm nothing there has altered. Get as much information as possible.

Finally see someone qualified. Its worth it even if they just help you phrase how to write emails, or ask questions. Ive used lawyers before myself and the first steps are very low key. Don't go in with guns blazing just yet, its worth being patient for a little bit as the dust settles and you gain info.....

Look for another job if you are not happy.

It is not legal if the only change is a cut in salary and loss of benefits. Problem is that doing something about it is not easy - especially if company is doing this with everyone as the only alternative to insolvency.

It is certainly worth challenging - just note clearly in writing to HR that your manager has agreed with your assessment that the only thing changing is a loss of benefits and salary and that this is not allowable under UK law. See what they say and be prepared to (a) lodge a formal grievance and (b) start a formal tribunal process (you can do that whilst still working there).

The only thing I'd say is that you should proceed cautiously - winning the battle won't help you if it propels you to the top of the redundancy list.

Why were you treated like this and not the other two?

Have you considered sex discrimination?

Aubergine - I think sex discrimination is the route I'd go down if I ended up pursuing this legally - I'm the only woman manager and work slightly less than full time as went back with flexible hours when I returned from maternity leave.
I am just hoping they will regrade the position. As I said, I love my job, have no desire to make waves particularly as I think it would be the end of my career.... but having said that I don't think I can stomach going to do the same job for less money when no-one else is having to. I'm clueless about tribunals etc - surely it makes it impossible to carry on working for a company?