Changing Rates of Pay

[compynei]

I am employed by a tourist attraction in a season position, and my working pattern depends on when the attraction is open. During full season I would work 5 out of 7 days, however at the moment the attraction is only open 3 days per week, for which my contract expects me to work these days.

 

My contract is for a set amount per hour (lets say £6.00 per hour). I have been offered for the last few weeks now extra work for days when the attraction is closed, however upon recieving my payslip I have been paid national minimum wage (£4.77 as I'm 21). This was never agreed on, and I only knew about it when I recieved my payslip.

 

I have worked in the same place for the last 5 years and previously I have always been paid the £6.00 per hour regardless of if the attraction is open or not when I am working. However, due to recent changes the company I work for is under a new name (I started my contract with the new company in April after my contract with the previous company finished in November).

 

I understand that my employer does not have to offer me these extra days work, however, when I am asked to work am I correct in thinking that I am entitled to be paid the £6.00 and that they have no right to pay me less for this.

 

Also, am If I am correct, am I entitled to be paid the money I am owed for the last few weeks?

 

What if I am correct and my employer refuses to move on this? Can I take this up with a grievance procedure (I'm not sure if they actually have one...)

 

Many thanks

 

Edit: I have now worked for the company for around 2 months, and don't actually have a written contract or anything.

Edited June 14, 2009 by compynei
Adding

[farmlama]

as you have not been given a new contract all the terms from your old contract apply, i would put in a grievance with your work because what they are doing is not allowed.