Employer reducing hours.

[shed driver]

My eldest works at a garage as an HGV mechanic, he's been there about 7 years. On Sunday he received an email from his employer that everyone will have their hours reduced by half an hour per day (2.5 per week) starting today. His contract states 41.25 hours per week.

The business has just been taken over, although there has been no change to the business name or staffing. From what he has said, the business appears to be struggling at present.

He's actively looking for other employment, but at present does he have to stand a de facto wage cut?

SD.