Employment Law question...
Employment Law question...
Author
Discussion

EngJock

Original Poster:

20,975 posts

202 months

Tuesday 10th March 2009
quotequote all
The OH and I are currently "living-in" and working at a pub in a bid to stave off the recession, I was made redundant from my "proper" job and she is off to uni in September so just needs beer tokens and holiday money.

This morning the landlady called a meeting and told the OH that her wages were going to be cut by a quarter from £200 a week to £150, effective immediately. This is for a 45 hour week so her wages now equate to £3.30 per hour.

When she accepted the job she signed a contract agreeing that her hourly rate would be £4.50ph and she would work 45 hours a week this would guarantee £200pw.

My question is this - taking in to account the fact we live above the pub rent and bills (inc council tax) for free, can she just accept this lying down? £3.30 ph is WAY below the national minimum wage and, as she has a contract saying she will earn £200pw, can she be forced to accept the pay cut?

Just to add - the landlady is a woman who will never listen to any suggestions and, whatever we say, she will assume that we want to quit and try to fire the pair of us if we say that it's not fair/legal!

Thanks in advance.

Andy

Rude-boy

22,227 posts

249 months

Tuesday 10th March 2009
quotequote all
Sorry I can't help you, but I'd certainly be looking for another job.

Things are very tough in the trade at the moment but not giving any warning or leeway is so far out of order it's untrue.

With any luck you could time your leaving call at about 5.55 on a Friday afternoon with the van packed and engine running.

therealpigdog

2,592 posts

213 months

Tuesday 10th March 2009
quotequote all
not my legal advice, but why don't you suggest to your landlady that the rent be cut by 25% and see how she likes it.

technically an employer can't force a pay cut (and certainly not under minimum wage) but unless you can easily move jobs, there isn't much anyone can do.

DSM2

3,624 posts

216 months

Tuesday 10th March 2009
quotequote all
From what I know, that is not a legally supportable arrangement from the landlady's POV or yours.

She should pay minimum wage and then charge an agreed rent for the accommodation. Tax etc would be attributable to the wage and of course to the rental income for her. In a way you are all evading tax and need ot be careful.

Not sure about this but you need some proper advice.