Contracts did you refuse to sign a new one ?

[kraftyKitten]

Hi

I've been on an old work contract for many years . I've now been told I have to sign a new more flexible contract and if i don't agree they will basically sack me them rem-employ me on this new contract ! I wondering now if I should just refuse as they are going to do it anyway? If I stick to my guns they will let me discreetly stay on it ? This is a nationwide company.

I haven’t signed my new one.
Seemingly it doesn’t matter.
A company just has to give you as many weeks notice as years that you’ve worked there. You can’t just refuse.

But if they can do it anyway why don't they just do it ?

It's a legal practice but one with risks. It would be classed as a dismissal if you didn't sign the new contract and so you could take them to a tribunal if you felt they'd treated you unfairly or wrongfully dismissed you. It would cost them to defend you claim so they may try to make an offer to settle the claim from the off as this is usually cheaper.

If you continue working but haven't signed the contract it'll be legally binding as you're giving implied consent by turning up every day and taking the salary and benefits.

What are the t&cs they are amending in the new one?

There’s a legal way of doing this
British gas and p and o to name a few

being a big company they will be aware of this

are u in a union

If you refuse, in law it's a resignation. This is the advised method for such situations. Although it is a rare example of a resignation being able to clai unfair dismissal, the chances of winning are very low. From the employers point of view, this is their best strategy. You sign or you are deemed to have resigned.