Change of Contract due to Doctors Certificate

[Ellandbee]

Was in an RTC (not my fault) on the 5th Nov. From the 6th to 29th Nov I was signed off sick due to whiplash caused by the RTC. Absence policy states I'm not entitled to full pay for entire absence & went onto SSP (Insurance will cover). Went to drs Monday still have severe back pain & spasms. Dr wanted to sign me off for the week, but I said I wanted to try & go back. We compromised & the dr agreed I could go back for no more than 4 hours a day for now. He signed a sickness certificate stating 'Fit to make limited return to work - late starts - max 4 hours/day'. (late starts due to difficulty getting up due to meds!). Went to work yesterday and gave note to office manager (AKA the office bully). The doctor had not put on the note how long this was for, but we agreed that it would stand for this week only. Today the office manager gave me a letter for me to sign & return: 'Further to your conversation with your supervisor today, I would like to confirm a change in your contract of employment from 01/12/08 as follows: Reduce your working hours from 37.5 to 20 per week - Monday to Friday for 4 hours a day. These hours are to be discussed & agreed with your Line Manager. If you find these amendments satisfactory, could you please sign and return one copy of this letter to confirm your acceptance of these terms and conditions. If you have any queries regarding the contents of this letter please do not hesitate to contact me.'. The problem I have with this is that: I discussed with my line manager that I would work 4 hours per day this week only, then take 1 weeks hols next week & return to work full time week after. This letter does not say how long the change of hours will be for - am I guaranteed to go back full time? Why does the company need me to change my contract? Shouldn't I be left as a 'full time employee' same as if I'd been signed off sick for the full week? Can the company legally do this to me?

[bednobs]

if you change your contract, they are under no obligation to make you up to full time again when you want.Perhaps there has simply been a misunderstanding somewhere, but my advice would be not to sign it.

[gingerflaps]

Don't sign it, they can't do this. You have had an accident, you don't wish for your hours to change. Are you part of the union at your place of work, or is there a SEF (staff employment forum) rep you can talk to. Failing that I would either talk to citizens advice or a solicitor
Good luck