being asked to sign a new contract

Hunchback

Quick question..
Since going back to college I have gone from full time work to part time hours (approx 12-15 hours pw)

My existing contract was for 21 hours pw.
As I am now only available for 12-15 , my manager says I have to sign a new part-time contract for 8 hours pw.

I don't know why, and I'm not inferring underhanded tactics on her behalf, but for some reason I am reluctant to sign a part-time contract.

I work these shortened hours of my own volition. Am I legally obliged to sign the part-time contract?

.....(wasn't sure if this should go in Legal Discussion or work problems)

Mrs OBumble

Well if I was your employer, I'd be wanting the contract paperwork tidied up: if you still had a contract that says full-time on it, then I'd be scared that you were going to hit me with some case about changing your hours without cause, or similar, even though verbally we agreed you could work for shorter hours.

Shelflife

The other side of the coin is that your current contract states that you are available for 21 hours, if you are unable to do your contracted hours they could dismiss you for that.

Its more tidying up loose ends then anything else, you cant have it both ways.