Is this fair?

Question

I've worked in my job for over 2 years now, I have done the same shifts on a saturday and Sunday for the duration of the two years, I have always worked 14hrs and had a steady income (i have another job too). Since a new manager has started my hours have been decreasing first to 12hrs and this week I'm only working 10 hrs. So slowly but surely Im missing out on hours. This month a total of 16hrs. The problem is, is that the new people who have started are taking my hours this isn't right is it.

Answer 1

I don't think it's fair at all, sounds like he is giving your hours to the new employees because they make less than you. You should sit down and talk to your manager and find out what is going on. Let him know that you like working your 14hr shifts and see if things go back to normal.

Answer 2

Do you have a contract? Does this contrat state the number of hours you are employed for? If you care contracted to work 14 hours then they cannot take them away without at least consulting you first and offering some form of compensation if you don't happily agree.

If you do not havea contract, then this is illegal for a start, and it's their problem not yours, but you can claim in a court that you have been working as if under contract, you wages slips will back this up. I've actaully seen this happen whilst working in an HR department.

Part time employes now have the same rights as full time ones, so don't be fobbed off with that old line!

Answer 3

Hi there, I know you have other answers so hopefully this hits the spot! I am a manager in a large multinational company. First of all, did you sign a contract guaranteeing this number of hours? Did the contract say that hours would vary based on business needs? Have you had reviews? Have you approached your new manager and asked why your hours have been reduced? If you under contract on agreed Terms and Conditions, then you can challenge your employer for breach of contract. Does your company have a HR Department? If so, they should be your first point of contact? A company shouldn't need to employ new people if existing employees are covering the hours and performing their tasks appropriately. Make sure that the Manager cannot point to discipline issues such as lateness on your part, missing shifts, high absenteeism, high error rate as this will be justification for them offering hours to others. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Talk to new manager about this first. Ask why your hours have been decreased. But first ask yourself this question. Have you called out a lot. Asked for this time off and they have not had people to cover shift. As a manager, your boss needs to look at the overall picture, whether or not they have people to cover different shifts in case of requests, sick calls etc. If they do not, hiring becomes a necessity and the hours have to come from somewhere.

Answer 5

hmmm need to check contract if you have one. If not, then you could argue that as you have always worked the same hours and shifts for a 2 years, then this has set precedence.

what im not sure about is why they have employed more staff which are taking your hours? fair enough if they have employed more staff on different shifts but seems strange that they seem to be slowly forcing you out.

take it up with your manager and see what they say about it. just express your concern and ask why they are giving you less hours to do.

Answer 6

Your employer is required by law to issue you with a 'written statement of particulars' within your first 8 weeks.
This should state the number of hours and days that you are contracted to work. (Whether you have signed this document is irrelevant - as is whether you work full or part-time). If you have one and it states 14 hours then simply remind your employer of this.
If your employer has failed to provide you with written evidence of your contracted hours, then they are in breach of employment law. But equally, it could very easily be argued at a tribunal, even without the written statement, that by 'custom and practice' your working hours are the shifts that you always worked.
Explain this to your employer, and explain that unless they abide by the terms of your contact with them that you will be seeking advice regarding taking them to an employment tribunal.

Answer 7

Wasn't sure if you are part time or full time.

Part time - if it is not in a contract , yes they can change it although they should really discuss it with you. I recommend you meet the manager and try to understand why it is happening and explaining that to make it worthwhile for you that the hours are necessary. May be easy to work out


Full time: Can not reduce your working hours in your contract unless they have discussed the possibility, give you advance warning and don't replace you


It is obviously better to discuss the problem initially and see how you get on

Good luck

Answer 8

What does your contract say? are the people taking your hours full time or part time? If your contract doesn't protect you, your new managers are probably doing what is best for their business by keeping their full time staff happy. Have you tried talking to the new managers about it, ask them if you have been under performing or if they are restructuring, there could be a million reasons behind it but you won;t know until you discuss it. it might not be fair but they have to do waht suits them and their business most.

Answer 9

Who has a contract anymore???
Most all employment is "at will" now. Meaning the company can let you go as easily as you can quit, within reson.
In your case, if you are the best (productive) employee for that shift, then yes its unfair, dumb is more like it. If you are not, then the new manager is doing what is best for the company. BUT either way, you need to talk to your manager about it.

Answer 10

You need to check your contract. Unfortunately this has become common practise with employers and no it isn't right.If you can't get your hours back look for another job you have experience and loyalty to offer,make sure you get a contract !Good luck.