Dh's workplace bought out- advice pleae?

[PeachyIsNowAChristmasFruit]

DH's company (a majr hauliers) ahs been nbought out, with effect from last week. He returned to work after a short period of sick leave to be told that all of them are being put on a new shift pattern, longer hours and less days off, and that the grade above Dh is being removed as people leave (as fast as they can!) and a new lower grade being brought in, so effectively Dh finally got his promotion, but with no more pay.

Dh has a flexible working arrangment (under the legilation for disabled children) that limits the hours he works, so although its the same number they work around my Uni- we can't get childcare for DS1, who is disbaled (autistic).

Does this still stand? He has been told probably, but no-one will either discuss or tell him where the new HR office is (could be anywhere in the country). we applied for the flexible thing according to the law, but their yes answer was never put in writing, just verbal. But if they declined they had to put thatbin writing, yes?

Also, Dh's GP has told him that he cannot, for serious health reasons, work extra hours- he has severe insomnia. An extra day a week with extra hours will send him back into severe depression quite rapidly. he's been trying to geta nother job for years, but they have ways - eg not repying to reference requests, of the old boss has been known to remove contracts from those who emply his staff.

Any advice please?

Have you tried the Citizens advice bureau or alternatively legal aid solicitors since you are at uni and there is a disability issue involved? Not a solicitor so cannot say but there should be some employee protection. also TUPE may be involved, depends on the take over and the number of people in the business. Also how does working time directive fit in to the extra shifts and hours and less days off?

Oh - is there a union at the work - if so see them

oh no, peachy.

agree you need proper advice from a union or the cab (union would be much better).

all I can advise on is the non legal bit: would it be disatrous if you had to go onto benefits for a bit (because you would be entitled to full jobseekers allowance if they refuse to let him work less after seeing the doctor's note)? saying that, if it's as bad as you say they will probably have no choice but to let him work less.

No union at work, union members erm, get disposed of, from what I hear

There doesn't seem to be a Tupe involved, we've had one before in a previous job. Doesn't seem to be anything involved, TBH, which is odd. had nothing, bar a small celebratory gift.

Peachy I found these,

dunno what their reputation is like but joining them would be a start so at least your DH is covered.

\link{http://www.urtu.com/\here)

here

or these maybe here a little more well known

If your hubby is pushed out then it may be worth seeking advice on constructive dismissal as an additional thing. there must be something which protects the employee in a disability act kind of thing as well. again I stress i am not a legal boff!

Thanks, will get DH to go through links next wek.

There's no way he'll cope with yet another shift change- he never gets the chance tos ettle before it swaps again, very bad for a persons health.

Apaprently they are now going to keep the hours the same but spread them over more shifts. He'll only get one proper day off aweek, no way he'll cope.

If you join one of these unions, check to see how long you have to be a member before they will help you with legal stuff. Was chatting to another rep earlier whose union won't help until you have been member for 13 weeks. Branch of Unison I think.

At least then you will have access to all of the necessary info and a solicitor should you need one. Also you will be able to get someone to accompany Dh in any meetings he should have.