Hi,

A friend has been asked to accept a reduction in her contracted hours (effectivlely reducing her weekly wage by £100 per week).   She works as a chef,  and has been told the reason for the reduction in hours is that several of her current duties would be passed to lower paid Kitchen Assistants.

There has been no consultation process and she has been informed that the changes are to be made immediately (a colleague has already accepted the reduction in hours and signed the contract).

I understand that there should be a consultation period for such matters, but is there any legal requirement regarding the length of that consultation and notice of proposed changes?

Also, could anybody advise the best way for her to deal with this?  I’m guessing she should continue refusing to sign the new contract  and continue to work her currently contracted hours?

Many thanks and regards

Darren