2 Day deadline to sign updated terms & conditions

[enty01]

Advice Please

 

This morning, 16th December, I was given a document entitled " statement of terms & conditions of employment" which relate to updated T & C's

 

However, the covering letter has given a deadline of 18th December for signing & handing back the company copy - it also goes on to say that failure to adhere to the deadline "may have an impact on your benefits"

 

Is this permissable?

[Sidewinder]

What purpose do the new T&Cs change? Are there any material changes to hours, pay, shift patterns, bonuses, benefits? There is no set period in which changes to a contract should be notified, however two days would most probably be considered unreasonable.

 

Changes to contract cannot be enforced, but ultimately the employer may choose to terminate your existing contract and offer you a 'take it or leave it' job under the new T&Cs. That is perfectly legal, and you could of course then refuse teh new deal and sue for a breach of contract, but this action could be costly, and of limited benefit in terms of compensation.

 

I would suggest that if you have a Union, you involve them as early as possible. Collectively you may also wish to ask for more time to study the small print of any new contract before signing.