Being made to go full-time?

[Dockydooda]

Hi all!
I’d appreciate any advice!
I’ve been on a fixed term contract which has been renewed yearly for nearly 2 and a half years, I do 20hrs per wk.
My employer wants me to go full-time and has said the 20hrs won’t be available from September,
can they do this?

Thanks in advance!

Well if it's a fixed term renewable contract, they are within their rights to NOT renew it. What they would appear to be saying is that they now need someone full time. So if you want to go full time they will renew it. If you don't then they won't. As harsh as it may seem, they are within their rights. It's your decision what you decide to do.

Worth seeking advice from ACAS or similar. I'm not sure if your continuous service over 2 years counts for something here.

Thanks for your help

Thanks for your help

Non renewal of a fixed term contract constitutes a dismissal in law. As you appear to have more than 2 years service, you are protected against unfair dismissal. Please please take proper employment law advice as you may have a claim against your employer/be entitled to a redundancy payment.

They may be able to do this if they can provide a valid reason. PP is correct that over 2 years continuous employment means that ending the contract serves as a 'dismissal' and so you might have a right to claim unfair dismissal.

Thank you this is what I wondered and I have an email saying my part-times hrs would no longer be available if I didn’t accept

Qualifying for the right to claim unfair dismissal doesn't make a dismissal unfair though. They have been clear that a full time post is required and as an employer, that is their right. If you won't work full time they cannot be forced to accept your continuing on part time hours. You could ask them to think about a job share or 2 part time posts, but again this would need discussion, and you might have to accept that if you can't find a job share partner, or there isn't a suitable person also wanting part time, that your job is coming to an end.

If there is no alternative, your contract will come to an end. You would qualify for a small redundancy payment, but not much.

Thank you for the advice