Can They Do This?

[ThatgirlMolly]

Hello guys I wonder if you can help.

I have been with a company for nearly a year on a fixed term contract. The contract was originally for 6 months but was extended in April. About two months ago I inquired as to whether they would consider me working part-time due to family life and they kindly agreed. I have been working part-time for a month now, and have given up the extra days of childcare that I was paying for. I came into work on Monday to be informed that they no-longer think that Part-Time hours are working, they need someone Full-Time and they will not be re-newing my contract in November. I now have no childcare and as of November no job. I guess as I'm on a fixed term contract they are within their rights to do this. But my question is I'm feeling totally stressed about the whole thing and don't think that I can face going into work next week (I also suffer from anxiety and depression.) If I sign myself off I'm worried that they will end my contract now and then I'll be left with nothing. Can they do that? My contract says that they can give me a weeks notice.

[Baldric]

/// My contract says that they can give me a weeks notice. ///

Looks as if they can then.

[fiction-factory]

Have you asked if you can stay on part time hours until November ? Worth asking

[EDDIE51]

As you have been there less than 2 years they can dismiss you at any time without giving a reason. So Yes.

[Hopkirk]

Go and have a word with the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

[tonyav]

Or ACAS.
http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1461

[fiction-factory]

If your contract was only to November and they aren't planning to extend it then the only issue is whether you can get them to agree to continue part time for the remaining month or so. I suggest you just focus on that- it will give them time to find a replacement so they may agree rather than lose you now.

[Hopkirk]

There is somewhere better for you, you just have to find it.