wages

[gina32]

my employer has told us that we are going to get a pay cut in our hourly rate, this means about �50 a week plus which will be short in our wages, are they legally entitled to do this???

[stumpage]

Yes, it is up to employer how much they pay you. As long as it is above the minimum wage they can reduce wages. If you have a contract stating wage then they will have to give notice, but as long as the notice is given then there is nothing you can do other than go and work elsewhere.

[Whickerman]

If you were unionised this wouldn't happen...

[Ethel]

Ha! If he was unionised he'd probably be out of a job.

Coal miners and austin rover springs to mind.

[gina32]

actually in case anyone else is wondering it IS against the law to change it unless you agree and people arent likely to agree are they!

[Didwot]

What your employer has to pay you is defined by the contract of empoymet, and can not be changed without both parties agreeing. Hours of work are not infrequently able to be changed by the employer.
If your employer decides that he will pay yoiu less than your contract entitles you to receive make sure that you politely tell him (politely) that youi do not agree with what he is doing and want him to abide by his contract terms. Let the shortfall build up to a reasonable and then submit your claim to the Employment tribunal for the wages he owes you.

[Keeprockin]

Sorry Ethel,but if it wasn't for unions,we'd probably have kids working for pre-teen,no minimum wage,no voice for the pensioners. The unions have done more good than harm for everyone,unfortunately,that includes the monkeys on their backs who accept everything they've attained,but are non-members. The pit fiasco was badly organised by Scargill,no doubt,but everything he Thatcher was going to do came to pass,and one main reason was the Nottingham scabs. Thatcher was after confrontation no matter at what price. There are millions of tons on first class coal still buried,while we import inferior stuff

[WendyS]

Why is your employer reducing your wages? Has he consulted with you? If the business is in a serious financial state and this is the only way he can stay afloat, you may have the option of being paid a lower amount or the business closing down and being unemployed. Some businesses are seriously suffering in the current retail recession. I would have expected a good employer to have explained the reason why he is wanting to make this move. Can you try and negotiate an agreement that if the business starts to improve he will consider refunding the baclog of wages due?

[druiaghtagh]

Very good answer keeprockin, my sentiments exactly as alife long union member