We’ve received numerous calls from members concerned about what appears to be the Bank’s latest push to change working hours and align them with branch opening times.
Many of the members have been concerned that they will only be paid for the opening hours of the branch, regardless of their contracted work pattern. To reassure members, let me make it clear that the Bank can neither impose a reduction in working hours on staff, nor withhold pay.
Our Advice
If you’ve been asked to change your working hours, or you suspect you might be approached, here’s our advice:
1. Listen to what your line manager is proposing and take notes, but don’t feel pressured to accept working pattern changes there and then. Once you’ve accepted a change, it’s going to be very difficult to reverse that acceptance if you change your mind.
2. Make sure you contact us as soon as you’ve been approached so that we can advise you on how to proceed. Working hours that might be reasonable for one person, may not be reasonable for another, so it’s important that you speak to us at an early stage so we can advise you on your specific case.
3. Make sure you have a copy of your contract of employment readily available. If you don’t have your contract, you can request a copy from the Bank. If you need assistance with that, the Union’s Advice Team can help.
The Union’s Advice Team can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 01234 262868 (please select Option 1).