Employer changing start time
Discussion
Can an employer change your start time with little or no discussion/reason?
I've been told to start an hour earlier for work but I'm sure my contract states my actual start time.
Where do I stand on this issue? Starting work an hour earlier would meaning getting up at 4am instead of 5am.
Cheers!
I've been told to start an hour earlier for work but I'm sure my contract states my actual start time.
Where do I stand on this issue? Starting work an hour earlier would meaning getting up at 4am instead of 5am.
Cheers!
If you're on a standard, fixed hours contract and your contract gives a start time, your employer just has to give reasonable notice.
For example, if your contract states 8am-5pm and they want you to start at 7am, they just need to give you a couple of weeks notice of the change.
They don't have to give a detailed reason - demands of the business is enough.
As Hman says, contracts are two way things. You don't have to accept it. Non-acceptance would effectively mean your resignation though...
Of course, flexi hours, self-employed, contractor, etc may change the above.
For example, if your contract states 8am-5pm and they want you to start at 7am, they just need to give you a couple of weeks notice of the change.
They don't have to give a detailed reason - demands of the business is enough.
As Hman says, contracts are two way things. You don't have to accept it. Non-acceptance would effectively mean your resignation though...
Of course, flexi hours, self-employed, contractor, etc may change the above.
Muzzer79 said:
If you're on a standard, fixed hours contract and your contract gives a start time, your employer just has to give reasonable notice.
For example, if your contract states 8am-5pm and they want you to start at 7am, they just need to give you a couple of weeks notice of the change.
They don't have to give a detailed reason - demands of the business is enough.
As Hman says, contracts are two way things. You don't have to accept it. Non-acceptance would effectively mean your resignation though...
Of course, flexi hours, self-employed, contractor, etc may change the above.
Haven't got the contract to hand but I'm 99% sure that it's says my hours of work are x o'clock until y o'clock.For example, if your contract states 8am-5pm and they want you to start at 7am, they just need to give you a couple of weeks notice of the change.
They don't have to give a detailed reason - demands of the business is enough.
As Hman says, contracts are two way things. You don't have to accept it. Non-acceptance would effectively mean your resignation though...
Of course, flexi hours, self-employed, contractor, etc may change the above.
It was mentioned verbally, but have nothing in writing.
Can you be forced to start early? The place of work is 45 minutes away so involved getting up even earlier when you factor in the commute.
CoolVX said:
hman said:
change of contract is a two way thing.
They would need to notify you in writing of a change to terms of contract and you would then have to agree to accept it.
Received nothing in writing.They would need to notify you in writing of a change to terms of contract and you would then have to agree to accept it.
What would happen if you don't accept the change to the terms of contract?
I found this out when my employer changed my title, and job description
Soovy said:
Are there a lot of jobs elsewhere for people like you?
Put up a fight if you want, but start looking if you do!
What do you mean by "people like you"?Put up a fight if you want, but start looking if you do!
But to answer your question, No there aren't many jobs elsewhere unfortunately.
Would you like the prospect of 4am starts 6 days a week for minimum wage, especially after you recently signed a contract which stated a later start time?
Edited by CoolVX on Monday 29th October 22:00
98elise said:
CoolVX said:
hman said:
change of contract is a two way thing.
They would need to notify you in writing of a change to terms of contract and you would then have to agree to accept it.
Received nothing in writing.They would need to notify you in writing of a change to terms of contract and you would then have to agree to accept it.
What would happen if you don't accept the change to the terms of contract?
I found this out when my employer changed my title, and job description
CoolVX said:
Soovy said:
Are there a lot of jobs elsewhere for people like you?
Put up a fight if you want, but start looking if you do!
What do you mean by "people like you"?Put up a fight if you want, but start looking if you do!
But to answer your question, No there aren't many jobs elsewhere unfortunately.
Would you like the prospect of 4am starts 5 days a week for minimum wage, especially after you recently signed a contract which stated a later start time?
Allanv said:
CoolVX said:
Soovy said:
Are there a lot of jobs elsewhere for people like you?
Put up a fight if you want, but start looking if you do!
What do you mean by "people like you"?Put up a fight if you want, but start looking if you do!
But to answer your question, No there aren't many jobs elsewhere unfortunately.
Would you like the prospect of 4am starts 5 days a week for minimum wage, especially after you recently signed a contract which stated a later start time?
However, there is a 45 minute commute to factor in as well.
98elise said:
CoolVX said:
hman said:
change of contract is a two way thing.
They would need to notify you in writing of a change to terms of contract and you would then have to agree to accept it.
Received nothing in writing.They would need to notify you in writing of a change to terms of contract and you would then have to agree to accept it.
What would happen if you don't accept the change to the terms of contract?
I found this out when my employer changed my title, and job description
Xtype said:
singlecoil said:
Seems an all too convenient way of firing people. Change their hours to something they can't cope with, and hey presto, they've left of their own accord!
which is one of the benefits of a strong union.An employer can change the terms of an employment contract at any point - they just need to give the correct period of notice, often 28 days. There isn't a lot you can do about it, and if you don't accept it, you'll have effectively resigned.
Some larger employers are a little wary of "giving notice", but some are very enthusiastic!
Any changes should AFAIAA, be "reasonable". The OP's instance would probably be reasonable. Expecting somebody who works 7am to 3pm shifts to change to 3pm to 11pm shifts might not be, depending on what the employees original availability is.
There is supposed to be a period of consultation to major changes, to ensure that they are reasonable, and individual circumstances should be taken into account, IE caring for an elderly relative, etc - but the employee and employer will be expected to explore all reasonable alternatives.
IE asking somebody to work a shift where they have a long standing arrangement to care for an elderly relative would wouldn't be reasonable, but asking somebody to work a shift when they normally water their neighbour's plants would be! (And yes, I have been given that excuse as a reason as to why somebody could not work a shift they were asked to)
Some larger employers are a little wary of "giving notice", but some are very enthusiastic!
Any changes should AFAIAA, be "reasonable". The OP's instance would probably be reasonable. Expecting somebody who works 7am to 3pm shifts to change to 3pm to 11pm shifts might not be, depending on what the employees original availability is.
There is supposed to be a period of consultation to major changes, to ensure that they are reasonable, and individual circumstances should be taken into account, IE caring for an elderly relative, etc - but the employee and employer will be expected to explore all reasonable alternatives.
IE asking somebody to work a shift where they have a long standing arrangement to care for an elderly relative would wouldn't be reasonable, but asking somebody to work a shift when they normally water their neighbour's plants would be! (And yes, I have been given that excuse as a reason as to why somebody could not work a shift they were asked to)
Edited by Rollcage on Tuesday 30th October 13:06
Rollcage said:
An employer can change the terms of an employment contract at any point - they just need to give the correct period of notice, often 28 days. There isn't a lot you can do about it, and if you don't accept it, you'll have effectively resigned.
Some larger employers are a little wary of "giving notice", but some are very enthusiastic!
I thought if you didnt except it and it was unreasonable then it could be classed as constructive dismissal, starting 1 hour earlier I wouldnt deem unreasonable, if your finishing an hour earlier too.Some larger employers are a little wary of "giving notice", but some are very enthusiastic!
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