Can Local Gov change terms of service to alter Sick Leave to the point where go over 8 days and Pay affected?

Question

Local Government / County Council i work for is planning to change all staffs terms of service. Part of this will be to rid the current sick leave system in favour of: ' Have 8 days off Sick in one year and Pay increments will be stopped'. I am half way between my pay band and have had increments annually. I am now facing next increment being frozen. Can this be lawful ? Does it breach european rights etc ? if applied can the said Council apply the new conditions in retrospect ? This was suggested as a way of curbing sickness days lost but it is tantamount to BLACKMAIL ! Any Info appreciated.

Answer 1

Employers are not required to offer sick pay at all, tho most do. Unless you have a contract stipulating otherwise this is perfectly legal. It is becoming common for firms to offer incentives for not using sick leave.

I doubt they could reduce your pay, but could certainly prevent attaining a higher grade.