Can my employer make me re-apply for my current role?

[maz7328]

My employer has decided to carry out a department re-structure, and has advised me I will need to re-apply for my existing role (with slight amendments). My job will be advertised internally and externally to prospective applicants.
Can they do this, and where do I stand legally?

[CheekyChops]

Is it just you that's affected or your collegues as well?

I'm pretty sure that they can do it - about 8 years ago I worked for a High Street Branch and they were getting rid of the 'back office work' and resturcturing the branches. They made everyone apply for their jobs (less jobs in fact) and if you weren't sucessful, you were made redundant. If it wasn't legal they wouldn't have been able to do it

[thugulike]

Surely there shouldn't be an external advertisement if there are jobs at risk? Existing post holders should be ringfenced.

[CheekyChops]

That's a point - our jobs were only advertised internally, not externally as well.

[emlett]

i am pretty sure that they can, i was under the impression that they HAD to advertise externally as otherwise, they can be done for discrimination?
if they make you redundant and appoint someone who is not as well qualified, then you may have a case for unfair dismissal