change of terms and conditions.

[pikeyboy]

The company I work for has informed us all they plan to change our terms and conditions. They have offered an extra days holiday to all who accept. They haven't told us what the changes are yet but I assume it won't be for our benefit. Can they do this? Can I refuse to accept the new terms.. for info it's an engineering consultancy with mainly PhD employees who will no doubt accept what's offered.

[boxst]

I have had several friends be in this position.

Generally the answer is you can fight for a bit to get some more 'reward' for the change, but the change is going to happen one way or another as you get labelled a bad employee (and get fired) or they will say your original contract is no longer valid and fire you.

Over to the legal people who may know better ...

[anonymous-user]

An employer can insist on a change of terms, and, if the employee refuses to agree to it, the employer may lawfully dismiss the employee if there is a pressing business need for the change. Here, the change, if agreed, will be supported by consideration, and therefore enforceable. The employer's position is more restricted if the employee in question is employed in an undertaking that has been transferred under TUPE (I assume not the case here).

Negotiate.

[pikeyboy]

Brendvan, thanks very much for the detailed reply, which is along the lines of what I thought was our position.

Have an a* for your grammar too!

[anonymous-user]

Too many commas, my dear Mozart.