Mum just lost her job....what next?

[Soapysuds64]

My mum has been working as a part time office cleaner for the last six years. Recently, the company she was working for was taken over by a big organisation. They have said she can't continue in this job, as she would need crb checks and to change hours. Instead, they offered her a job in a hospital, which potentially includes non-cleaning duties and in a different location which is not convenient for her. They gave her one hour to decide whether she wanted to accept this - she said no, so is no longer working.

Is this acceptable? Can they change terms and conditions like this without notice? If she has been wrongfully dismissed, what is her next step?

I'm not going to be much help but didn't want to read and run. Was your mum told she was being made redundant?

If so - you could argue that what she was offered wasn't suitable alternative employment www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/RedundancyAndLeavingYourJob/Redundancy/DG_10029844 and therefore proper process wasn't carried out.

What does her contract say?

An employer can only obtain a CRB check if the role is one that is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If your mother was just cleaning ordinary offices I do not think they could have got a CRB check lawfully.

Did they give her the option to get the CRB check and change her hours, or did they simply decide that she couldn't carry on doing the job?

Was your mother dismissed or made redundant? If she was dismissed I think she may have a case for unfair dismissal. Even if she was made redundant she may have a case.

I think your mother needs to consult a solicitor who specialises in employment law. She may be able to find one who will give an initial 30 minute consultation free.