Can Contracted Hours Be Changed

Can Contracted Hours be Changed?

As an employee, you might wonder if the hours you signed up for in your employment contract can be changed. The answer is yes, but with some restrictions.

First, it’s critical to understand what a contracted hour is. A contracted hour is the number of hours agreed upon by both the employer and employee, which the employee is expected to work. Contracted hours can be full-time or part-time depending on the nature of the job.

If you’re a full-time employee, your contracted hours will usually be around 35 to 40 hours per week. If you’re a part-time worker, the number of contracted hours will be less than 35 hours per week. The number of hours you’re contracted to work will be outlined in your employment contract.

Can an employer change your contracted hours?

Yes, employment contracts allow employers to make changes to an employee’s contracted hours, but there are legal restrictions. Employers must provide a notice period before making changes. The notice period will depend on the number of years you’ve been working for the company. If you’ve been working for less than a month, the notice period can be as little as one day. If you’ve been working for over 12 years, the notice period is 12 weeks.

The notice must be given in writing and must explain the reasons for changing the contracted hours. An employer must provide a valid reason for the change. The valid reasons include a reduction in business demand, restructuring, or changes in the organization. Employers can’t change your hours if it would result in a reduction in pay. If your hours are reduced, your employer must give you the option to accept the new hours or terminate your employment.

What happens if an employer makes changes without notice?

An employer who makes changes to your contracted hours without notice is in breach of your employment contract. If this happens, you have the right to claim for breach of contract, which can result in compensation.

In summary, yes, contracted hours can be changed with some limitations. Employers must provide a notice period and a valid reason for the changes. If an employer makes changes without notice, they are in breach of your employment contract.