are redundancy payments effected if put on short time

[BRIGHT SPARK]

I have worked for my present employer for over 8 years on a part time basis of three days a week - 24 hrs in total. I do not have a written contract, and because work is very quite at present he has asked my to work a 2 day week, after so many weeks of short time does he have to make me redundant. The other lady in the office is still working 5 days a week, is this right.

Will any redundancy be based on the 3 day week or a 2 day week.

many thanks

[dothawkes31]

how many people work for his company and how many people are affected by the reduced hours?

[dothawkes31]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/RedundancyAndLeavingYourJob/index.htm

[buildersmate]

In your situation a better part of the DirectGov website (that Dot refers to) is here:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Understandingyourworkstatus/Temporarylayoff/DG_10026693
I suggest you read particularly the bit about the difference between being 'laid-off' and being put on short time working. In most cases, an employer cannot lay off an employee without continuing to pay salary normally. The main exceptions to this are if it specifically says so in some documentation from the employer, including the Company Handbook (if there is one) or if it generally applies in your industry. Neither are likely to be applicable to you. So your employer seems to be asking for you to agree a change your contract from 3 to 2 days - either permanently or temporarily. You do not have to agree to this. You could point out that there are 1.6 people-days of this work being done at present so it would be far fairer to reduce the full-timers from 5 to 4, rather than yours. If indeed the jobs are broadly the same. Or you could suggest 0.5 days each reduction.
If this is a permanent proposed change in your contract, your employer needs to give you notice - 8 weeks notice in your case since you've been there over 8 years. If it is temporary, the notice period does not apply. I would agree that it seems rather unfair that you are being singled out for all the pain.
The answer to the second part of your question is 4 weeks - if you are temporarily put on short-time working for four consecutive weeks, you can claim redundancy has taken place. See the website link for more information - YOU have to assert the redundancy.
A later redundancy would be based upon the 24 hours per week contract - any agreement with you to reduce your hours to 16 per week is only a temporary measure.

[buildersmate]

A later redundancy would be based upon the 24 hours per week contract - any agreement with you to reduce your hours to 16 per week is only a temporary measure.
Get anything you decide to do in writing. Many recalcitrant employers of small businesses shy away from putting things in writing since it (generall) helps their case later. Write to the employer stating the terms you agreed if he won't do it.
What you decide to do in this situation is best decided based on your longer term employment intentions here.