Just looking for opinions

[Dotty50]

How would you feel if you were approached by your employer with a view to reducing your hours due to the current economic climate but you knew that the director's wife is on the company payroll but doesn't actually work for the company?

[Conniff]

I think the greater amount of small businesses do this. I can't really see that if she was taken off the books, that it would solve any problems the company is having.

It would depend if there is estimate of the length of time you are expected to be on reduced hours/wages. If it was completely open ended, then I don't think I would be very happy.

[Dotty50]

Hi Conniff,

 

If it happens, it will be the second reduction as I my hours were reduced approx 18 months ago so it will be open ended. Other staff were also given reduced hours as we were told it had to be across the board, although it wasn't done equally at the time.

 

This time it is only me involved, which is another thing I am not happy about as I feel that one of the admin positions is being manipulated so that it is an administration job but with extra tasks which are not done by the others, hence creating a tiered level of positions which weren't there before.

 

I don't want this to sound as though I work to a terrible company, I really don't and have NEVER had any issues before, but when everyone is under such financial pressure, things change and I suppose I just want to make sure that they are doing things in the correct way, even if it seems an unfair way.

[pistachio]

I don't personally think you judge outside of your own situation. Whatever management do is up to them how they structure things. So if you're happy with the job and it still pays enough and you'd rather reduced hours than look somewhere else for an alternative then there's your answer. Do you have periodic reviews where your input can be judged and salary/hours reassessed that stops this open ended arrangement?

[Conniff]

If the hours are so different to your original contract and there is no sign of them being reinstated, you could consider taking advice on leaving and being able to claim constructive dismissal. No matter how good the company, if they aren't being fair, then staff loyalty has to be questioned. You also have to keep in mind that you are only there to make them money, not they employing you to give you a wage.

[Dotty50]

Do you have periodic reviews where your input can be judged and salary/hours reassessed that stops this open ended arrangement?

 

We don't but there is no reason for me to ask for this and I am sure they would agree to discuss it

 

If the hours are so different to your original contract and there is no sign of them being reinstated, you could consider taking advice on leaving and being able to claim constructive dismissal. No matter how good the company, if they aren't being fair, then staff loyalty has to be questioned. You also have to keep in mind that you are only there to make them money, not they employing you to give you a wage.

 

I just couldn't afford to leave Conniff, I am sure I will be able to work this out with the company, perhaps a compromise can be reached, I am just panicking at the thought of the loss of income.

 

I also have health problems which I feel would hinder applying for other jobs.

[Bigredbus]

Hi,

 

I agree to say that your best option, in first instance, is to approach your company with a view to a compromise... Failing this, you can take 'Conniff's' advice...