My hours have been changed - I haven't been asked my opinion!

[sanae]

OK, so it's only a small change - normally I work 3 days (6 sessions) a week, start early and finish fairly early - have done so since I joined the place 15 months ago. My contract only states my total hours. Yesterday I just happened to look at my rota for the new year - now on one day every fortnight I am down to start late and finish late - totally shocked to see it as no-one has told me about any change. In fact a couple of months ago I told my employer that I was very happy with my hours as they were and they seemed to accept that. Went to discuss with management today but they are all on holiday due to Christmas. I am now not back in the building till new year and my first day back should be on the late/late rota, so if I hadn't happened to look I would have come into work at the wrong time and could have also made unsuitable arrangements. I feel quite angry - do you think I am justifiedhow should I tackle this?

I think you're justified to be angry. Employers are supposed to discuss changes to terms and conditions with you before implementing them. Although your contract just specifies overall hours, if you have had the same working pattern since you started then you could argue that arrangement has become your contractual working pattern. Even if they disagree (which they probably will), it is common courtesy to warn you that your working pattern is going to change.

You could write a letter setting out why you are really annoyed about this, and go and see your boss on your first day back. If you get no joy, you could raise a formal grievance. If the late/late arrangement gives you a childcare problem, then you could also issue a formal request to return to your old work pattern under the family friendly legislation.

hth

AGree with what roskva said. A long term 'unwritten' arrangement can be construed as a contract, and as such, is under similar terms as a formal contract of employment.

Thanks. Interesting to know that I have a good case for complaint. It is the lack of consideration and communication that has angered me so much. I can't believe that they would just change the rota without telling me and expect me not to care. I think I am going to have to tackle them on my first day back. It sounds as though I might almost have a legal, as well as a moral, case.

Thanks. Interesting to know that I have a good case for complaint. It is the lack of consideration and communication that has angered me so much. I can't believe that they would just change the rota without telling me and expect me not to care. I think I am going to have to tackle them on my first day back. It sounds as though I might almost have a legal, as well as a moral, case.