Although im happy to have a job right now the company im with 7 yrs has given us a large pay cut which we all accepted. Now they are demading that we come in an extra 2 hrs early each morning and start at 6.30/7 for an office job. massive commute problem for me with this early start
No contract was signed with these new moves and im wondering is this allowed. we were not asked just told, the business is not in danger either but profits are of course way down.
Are you in a union? I have to wonder what benefit the company will really derive for an office based job having you in an extra 2 hours each morning, i would think that this could be a way of forcing people to resign and avoid redundancy payments.
What does your original contract state regarding working hours?
How was the pay cut offered? (you state it was accepted) was this done formally?
You and your colleagues may need to meet to discuss this in relation to various employment laws and research available on longer working hours. It may be possible to compromise. However, there is some research out there that suggests that work effectivity is compromised by constant longer hours and it can result in more absenteeism due to illness.
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No unfortunately we are not in a union. Its a sales job and we cannot contact companies until after 9 anyway so cant see the point. The pay cut was proposed and letters were sent out which comes into effect march. they havent asked us to sign anything or that we have a choice just assumed its like it or lump it.
Could be a way of pushing people out the door but they have got rid of most the sales team already.
if the remaining few say no to these new hrs can they do anything about it.
Im willing to compromise in this market but too much is too much
You can contact the Legislation and Information Section of the Labour Court by 'phone on 6136643 and if you give them an outline of the details they will be able to advise you to some extent on where you stand legally in regard to your Employers proposals. Best of luck.