Increased Hours

[Baboonboy]

I work for the NHS and they've decided to increase our hours from 35 to 37.5 in line with some other NHS employees but the hours won't be paid. Is this legal? I haven't signed a contract yet. and have worked in the same job for 22 years. Should I go to the European court? BB
PS Posted this in jobs but not sure that was appropriate so I'm sorry if you're reading this twice.

[andrea81]

I think your best bet is seeking advice from Citizens Advice or from the Government Website (there is a call centre).

Something like this is worth delving into and getting the correct legislation wording so you can know for sure if the law is on your side.

[thugulike]

Is this in line with the agenda for change? It could be that you've had more beneficial conditions of service than other staff you work with and need to come back in line with them. This is to prevent equal pay/equal value claims. In local government there is a category of staff who currently have a full time of 4.5 hours per week less than anyone else and they can expect a rise in their weekly hours. If you retain the hours you currently work you will be paid a proportion of 35 over 37. Doesn't matter if you've signed your contract or not as unless you objected to the terms in writing you will be deemed to have affirmed it by working.

First step if you had a case would be a claim to ET, then EAT and on and on. Speak to your union,

[bednobs]

did you start before a4c came in or after? if befoe, surey your bosses have explained it to you?

[China Doll]

This does sound like it's part of Agenda for Change, you don't work in Radiography or Radiotherapy do you?

The simple answer is yes, they can do this. The hours are paid, they are part of the full time working included in Agenda for Change. These hours have been phased in over time in order for people to get used to them.

Agenda for Change was done in agreement with the unions and the professional bodies that represent and as such then yes it's legal. It's a replacement of the Whitley system so anyone previously on a Whitely contract is automatically switched to Agenda for Change, the only way you might get around it is if you were on a Trust contract but even that I think would be unlikely.

[Baboonboy]

Thanks to all. BB