change of working contract

[MrIncredible]

Can an Employer force a employee to change there contract of employment?
Working for the same employer for 9 years.
They now want to change conditions of employment.
1) reduce the sick pay allowance
2) they have put the words " subject to variation" next to hourly rate
3) pay for our own training required to do the job
plus a number of other things.
recieved on friday given until the 1stof october to sign!

What could happen if refusal to sign and can they enforce this.

if anyone can supply links for laws applying to this that i can pass on
be extremely grateful

many thanks in advance.

[barb1314]

Hi Mrincredible,I found this site for you.It's pretty useful where contracts are concerned.Hope it helps you.I'm pretty sure that to change terms both sides must agree but someone else may be more informed than me.Good luck.
http://www.direct.gov...onditions/DG_10028079

[boxtops]

You can also contact ACAS, free and without any obligation, it's open to employee and employer alike. http://www.acas.org.u...x.aspx?articleid=1410
Their website itself is quite useful but the link is to the helpline - give it a go, they are there until 8pm tonight.

[themas]

Certainly do the above, but at the end of the day the employer can enforce the change by dismissing workers who won't agree to it. It is very likely that a complaint of unfair dismissal can then be made to a Tribunal & the employer may have to pay compensation, but the amount is limited & you still end up without a job. Tough if it works out this way, but best you are warned.

However, I wouldn't try to deter you from taking this up & attempting to get the changes modified. In my view, no. 3 (training costs) is particularly obnoxious & these may well be something it is arguable the employer has a duty to pay if the training is in any way related to health & safety requirements. Certainly, get ACAS advice & see a solicitor specialising in employment law if you are able to find one giving limited free or low cost advice.