Homeworking Contract, asked to become office based in a new location

[lionsleepstonight]

I was originally employed for 7 years at an office based location.
During covid we worked from home, on office contracts.
3 years ago the office was closed and we were moved to Homeworking contracts.
Work have now set up an office over an hour away from the original office and said we must work from it, and our contracts are being updated.
They claim it is a reasonable request.

Do we have any rights to say no and if needs be, be made redundant?

I agree, listen to opinions to decide what you think is right, and consider what if any questions to ask and to who. I think unions do a brilliant job in a lot of cases, but where the question is about law, it is usually worth taking a little bit of independent legal advice. Where it’s about industrial relations and what to negotiate ask a union if you have one. Good luck

IANAL

I am fairly sure that as they have offered this to everyone it wouldn't be seen as constructive dismissal. You are being offered a change of contract, it is up to yo whether you accept it or not.

Just looked at my contract, and yes have a mobility clause.

'Reserves the right, ....to base you at other locations within a reasonable distance....'

After goggling there are guidelines on what is reasonable e.g. impact on individual circumstances, commute practically etc.

I think it's worth paying for an initial meeting with an employment lawyer. Literally nothing to lose.

Thank you everyone.

They can’t unilaterally change your contract unless you agree, but they can make a case for making you redundant owing to business need (if the business need is evident).

Definition of redundancy includes change of location (reduced need for workers in a particular location) but it depends on various factors including any mobility clause in the contract, what it says, your role etc. in this case I would say you need legal advice from an employment lawyer

How many of you are affected by this?

Hi, have come back on to say the plans have been shelved due to cost. Phew.

Definition of redundancy includes reduced need for workers at a particular location. If you are on a contract which says you work permanently from home and the employer wants you to work 1.5 hours away that is a huge change. I would say that’s created a redundancy situation. The new (office based) role may or may not be suitable alternative work but it sounds as though it won’t be reasonable for you if it’s such a long drive. That would usually mean you should be made redundant. Company may argue you are not entitled to a redundancy payment if you failed to accept the suitable alternative role but you’d have a good argument for it not being, subject to what’s in your contract & any mobility clause.

even if there is a mobility clause it needs to be exercised reasonably and that will depend on the facts of the case - a drs receptionist probably wouldn’t be expected to travel far to work. A more senior role likely further