Incorrect contract - HR dragging their feet

[Stewingonthis]

For most of the last 6 years I’ve been a bit of a ‘go to’ for cover with my employer; a few short term stints but mainly contracts around 10 months. This has suited me very well and I had a great relationship with HR.

During the pandemic there have been major company changes; a new HR team brought in and salary for the role I usually cover dropped substantially (12% less than it was 6 years ago - amended on a technicality - most similar staff took redundancy). I have enjoyed working at the company so, despite this, I took another longer contract, on the lower rate.

Towards end of November, 6 months in, I enquired about something time-sensitive in my latest contract and was told by HR ‘ oh ignore that you’ve worked here before’ which seemed shockingly unprofessional. I replied asking if they could check there weren’t any other contract errors to which I got no response.

Subsequently, I went through the contract with a fine tooth comb and found 3 other errors; realised 2 of the overall errors have a detrimental impact to the terms I agreed, one financial. I have chased twice and finally got a response, just before we broke for Xmas, that because of covid they’d get back to me when they can.

Obvious answer is to start looking elsewhere but totally stewing on this and feel very disrespected and undervalued. Sad that a previously good working relationship with a fab company should end like this, particularly as it is all emanating from their HR team.

Any advice?

Did you sign the contract. If so not much you can do about it until the contract is up for renewal.

Iit sounds like it's. Generic contract template.
I'd ask your union or acas for advise tbh

feel very disrespected and undervalued. Sad that a previously good working relationship with a fab company should end like this, particularly as it is all emanating from their HR team

Unfortunately there is little you can do - the company has decided to go ahead with changes. I'd look elsewhere personally.

That's why you should read a contract before you sign it.

Don't sign another before the errors are corrected.

Talk to your line manager. Presumably they really rate your work/value because they keep having you back - not least cause they're getting someone great for less than market rate.

Tell them what you've said here - you've tried to chase, been robbed off and feel massively disrespected so will start looking elsewhere in time for your next contract.

If they've got anything about them they'll chase HR on your behalf.

I bet HR swings into action faster for a senior permanent manager, Covid or not.

Sorry this is happening though, I work in a similar way and dealing with this stuff is exhausting and stressful.

@girlmom21

That's why you should read a contract before you sign it.

Don't sign another before the errors are corrected.

Believe me I did as it was very different to previous contracts. The problem is one clause was apparently incorrectly inserted (how was I supposed to know that?] and another can be read two ways. Given what was discussed I read it positively but now am not sure. The other two are nit picking things that on re reading are typos. It’s quite a long contract!

More annoyed at the dismissive way HR are behaving about their mistake, esp as I am going to be considerably down financially (not just because of the lower pay). Saying any more would be particularly outing.

@Nix2020

Did you sign the contract. If so not much you can do about it until the contract is up for renewal.

Iit sounds like it's. Generic contract template.
I'd ask your union or acas for advise tbh

No union.

I am minded just to tell them to stick it and not go back in the new year, I mean they’ve agreed there are errors, so presumably the contract can be considered nul and void.

It’s unlikely I would do this, as it would probably be citing my nose off to spite my face, and that’s probably what is riling me more.