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Employer is trying to change contract/working hours

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  • 19-11-2013 2:19pm
    #1
    Decorus
    Registered Users Posts: 127 ✭✭


    Hi there,
    I just wonder if an employer is allowed unilaterally change employment contract in relation to start and finish hours after 13 years of continual employment? Employer is considering to implement shift work instead of normal working hours.
    If it matters employee is just after coming back from maternity and can't do shift work due to family arrangement.
    Is it legally for the Company to do so and if not what steps can be done to challenge this decision?
    Any help will be appreciated.
    Thanks


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    #2
    No Pants
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,347 ✭✭✭No Pants


    There's a Work & Jobs forum that might be better placed to answer this. Maybe a Mod could move this?


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    #3
    Seamus1964
    Closed Accounts Posts: 502 ✭✭✭Seamus1964


    Changes to your contract of employment can occur due to a change in the law, but otherwise, changes must be agreed between your employer and yourself. Neither party can unilaterally decide to change the contract. 

    http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/contracts_of_employment/change_job_contract.html


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    #4
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users Posts: 28,119 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    If the business has to evolve and shift work is necessary and you are unable to work due to personal circumstances the employer would be able to terminate your employment.
    You could go legal but if the employer can prove the changes are necessary you won't have any claim.
    I'm sure this effects more than you so it's not a case your being singled out.

    Are your working hours in your contract i.e 9-5 or does it just say 37 hours, you could be put on a day shift like 7-3 or 3-11 if it's just hours mentioned, the employer would be able to do that as it's still considered within the working day.


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    #5
    Decorus
    Registered Users Posts: 127 ✭✭Decorus


    Thanks for the replies!
    In an Employee Handbook dated October 2008 in relation to hours of work says "these will be your regular hours of work unless stated otherwise on your offer letter". For the last 5 years regular hours were 7/8 am to 15/16pm.
    If the employer allowed to change contract anytime unilaterally then why do we need contract at all if it means practically nothing?
    Does anybody know anything about "Family-Friendly Policies" within a Company?
    Thanks!


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