Boss changing my hours of work

[Laura09]

Hi this is my first post so please be gentle with me!

I've been at the same salon for 5 years from being an apprentice to now training on my level 3 and being 1 of only 2 stylists. My boss is the other stylist.

My boss has recently employed a PR lady who now wants us to work later on a Saturday (we close at 2.30), and work on my only (official) day off - a sunday. I attend my course on a Monday which is my other day off from the salon. I paid for my course, and I do it in my own time.

My question is, can my boss just change all my hours despite my hours being stated in my contract? Can she introduce a new contract and make me change my hours?

Not really sure what to do as I also don't get paid for overtime at the moment.

Please can you offer some advice on this situation. Thanks in advance.

 

[FreyaBeauty]

Hi I take it this would mean you will work 7 days a week including college?

Have you talked to your boss about this and maybe having another day off? You can't be expected to work 7 days a week, You might have paid for the course but it benefits your bosses business therefore she should allow you a day off in the week.

I am not sure your rights on the contract and I know contracts can be reviewed and changed but I am sure you need notice your boss can't expect you to change all your hours starting from now?!

I'd talk to your boss and see if she will allow you to work every other Sunday and then maybe have a day off in the week when you work on the Sunday's. Like a two week **** pattern?

Hope this helps, good luck x

 

[Laura09]

Thank you for your advice I've expressed my feeling to my boss about this but she is very hard to talk to.

So does that mean she can change my hours with notice and force me to work all the extra hours.

Laura x

 

[Pinkbunny28]

No, she can't just change them. You have to agree to them. But if you don't agree to them she can let you go. I'm not sure if she would have to offer you redundancy pay though, I think not because she has offered you another contract.

Personally I would contact ACAS and they would be able to tell you where you stand and all you need to know.

She can ask you to work 7 days as long as it doesn't go over a certain amount of hours per week (again, not sure how many this is and if your course counts towards this).

Speak to ACAS and see how you get on. Let us know x

 

[FreyaBeauty]

She can chance your hours but with notice I believe. Does it state this anywhere is your contract?

No one can make anyone do anything they don't want to, but the problem you will have is if she finds someone willing to work the hours offered she could well let you go.

Maybe you should start looking for a job that suits u! My last boss was very hard to talk to so I totally understand... When I told her I was pregnant she said "that's your silly fault isn't it".....x

 

[Beansy]

Your employer can change your terms and conditions however the extent of this is dependent on whether they are contractual or non contractual that is, what is actually stated in your contract or what has just just become salon working practice.

They should have a period of consultation (generally weeks not hours!) with you around any changes, whereby they set out their reasons for change and then give you the opportunity to feedback / comment etc. If your hours are specified as t's and c's in your contract then you would have to give your consent to the changes. I would suggest asking them to put any proposed changes in writing to you, that way at least you have an audit trail.

The European Working Time Directive sets out working conditions that include a maximum of 48 hours work per week (unless you opt out) averaged over 17 weeks , the right to a minimum 20 minute break every 6 hours and the fact that you should have a certain amount of time between breaks. Working time limits (the 48-hour week) : Directgov - Employment

Definitely a good idea to speak to ACAS or perhaps you have a Employment Law centre locally....? You could also contact a solicitor who specialises in Employment Law, they will generally discuss over the phone initially free of charge.
Good luck