Hours Cut and Huge Pay Drop

Hi,

Am looking for some advice.

My boss told me and my workmate today that unfortunately he will have to cut our pay and reduce our hours.

We both currently work 34 hours one week and 37 hours the second week.

He wants one of us to work the normal 34 hour week one week while the same week the other girl works 20 hours.
Then we switch around the following week.
This is over 4 days due to him cutting back our days last year as the business was very profitable and he didn't need to do a 5 day week.

I earn €490 per week and he wants to reduce this to €390 every week.

I cannot pay my mortgage etc on this amount as it is a big bulk of my wages gone.

I know I am lucky to have a job considering so many have no choices but I am wondering if I will be working part time hours every second week can I claim any additional money? From what I can see you can claim dole if your hours are cut and over 3 days but not 4 like mine will be.

Or am I better off joining the queues of people looking for a job? I don't particularly enjoy my job,it is a job not a career but I cannot afford to be out of work with mortgage etc.

Just as a note my employer can reinstate the original hours no problem and the business would definitely be there for him to do that, but he said that for selfish reasons he is unwilling to do that even though he knows it leaves us in dire straits. So its like it or lump it basically which would lead me to suspect he just wants us both to leave and get someone less experienced in...

thanks in advance.
suzi

It seems strange that your employer is acting this way ,you could be right maybe he wants you out ,however if he really wanted that he could make you redundant.
You should look for another job but keep the one you have while you are looking I think it's easier to get a job when you are already in a job good luck!

Could I suggest that you contact the citizens advise bureau or your union ( if you are a member ) for advise on your best course of action as your employer certainly seems to be abusing his position.

Probably borders on bullying.