they are trying to demote me! what can I do?

[demotedreally]

I found out yesterday in a team meeting that a me and a number of colleagues are being demoted. I am really angry it is totally unfair as I know I am good at my job and I work really hard. Sometimes I feel like I hold the whole place together tbh.

the reason given is that there are other people in the organisation being paid the grade below but our job descriptions are basically the same, they want to make sure they are paying us equally.

can they do this? I reckon they are tying to get rid of us and am prepared to fight it.

This is a breach of contract - there have been tribunals won for constructive dismissal for this issue. I looked into it with our regrading - this is why they were careful to compensate us for loss of benefits. You cannot sign a contract with an employee and then at a later date change the basic terms (eg salary) without agreement from both parties. If you do not agree then they can make you redundant (although that's a legal minefield for them) or you can resign and raise a case for constructive dismissal.

This happened at my work recently and I was downgraded (or, 'in detriment' to use the term they used). It was part of a whole organisational job evaluation scheme though, rather than just specific to my role, which is what yours sounds like.

We were allowed to appeal the decision, which I did and won. Is there anything similar that you are able to do? Our union pressed for increased pay protection for those in detriment, and it was extended to two years. Again, is this an option for you?

It's not a breach of contract btw and isn't illegal. My husband works for Unison and what was done at my work was perfectly legal.

Based on what you've said they are redeploying you onto the lower grade which they consider to be a suitable alternative and so they really not offering redundancy pay.

As a former union rep, I'm sure you know that legally they can do this. Legally, employers can do most things as employment rights continue to be eroded in this country. However the union can still negotiate for better terms and win confessions. So have a think about what you want, whether that's a longer pay protection period or a lump sum and argue for it. You might not get it, but if you don't ask them you definitely won't get it.