Cut it out
Question
I used to work 40 hours a week, but recently this has been reduced to three days work one week and two days the next. My employer says he doesn't have to pay me for the days I'm not working. Is this right?
Answer
Having your hours cut against your will can have a big impact on your life, so you're right to seek advice. Your employer may not have the right to cut your hours without asking you first, depending on what is in your contract of employment and any collective agreement that applies.
There are so many possible scenarios in a case like this, so it's best to have a face-to-face interview with an advisor at a local advice agency such as the CAB. When you go to see the advisor it would be helpful if you could take with you all, or as many as possible, of the following:
- Contract of employment
- Staff handbook
- Documents relating to policies and procedures, such as a sickness policy, disciplinary procedure and grievance procedure
- Details of your employer's name, address, telephone number, company registration number
- The address of your workplace
- Your employee or payroll number
- Payslips and details of your current income
- Any correspondence that you have relating to your employment
- Details of trade union membership, if applicable
You could also download the Acas leaflet on lay-offs and short-time working, which might give you some more useful advice.
If you are on a reduced income you may be eligible for benefits such as Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, depending on factors such as your average working hours, household income and savings. You can use an online calculator to see what you may be entitled to, and there is more detailed information about benefits on the DirectGov site.
Updated: 04/09/2012
Question answered by CAB
