WORKPLACE ANSWER
Can my employer change my working hours?
Your employer may want to change when you work, how many hours you work, or the pattern of your working week. Whether they can do this and what happens if you disagree can depend on your contract, how significant the change is and how your employer approaches it.
Quick Answer
Sometimes, but not always. Your employer may be able to change your working hours if your contract allows for the change or if you agree to it. However, a significant change to your working pattern may need to be discussed with you, and simply being told about a change does not necessarily mean you have to accept it. Before deciding what to do, check what your contract says about your normal hours, working patterns and any flexibility or variation clauses. It is also worth asking your employer why the change is being proposed, when it would take effect and whether there is any opportunity to discuss it.
Before deciding what to do, check what your contract says about your normal hours, working patterns and any flexibility or variation clauses. It is also worth asking your employer why the change is being proposed, when it would take effect and whether there is any opportunity to discuss it.
What This Usually Means
A change to your working hours can mean different things. For example, your employer might want to change your start and finish times, move you from fixed hours to a different shift pattern, change the days you work or alter the number of hours you work. The first thing to understand is whether the proposed change is already covered by the terms of your employment or whether it would change an important part of your agreement. Look at your employment contract and any relevant workplace policies. Check what they say about your normal working hours, shifts, flexibility and how changes to your terms are handled. If the proposed change is significant, or creates a serious problem for you, it may be worth asking questions and raising your concerns before the change takes effect.
Why This Happens
Employers may propose changes to working hours for a number of reasons, including:
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Changes in business needs or opening hours
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Staffing or operational problems
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A change in your role or responsibilities
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Restructuring or changes to the way work is organised
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A request to change shifts or working patterns
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Changes that affect a wider group of employees
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The reason for the proposed change can help you understand the situation and decide what questions to ask.
Things To Think About
Consider these points when deciding how to proceed:
What does your contract say?
Check your normal hours, working pattern and any flexibility or variation clauses.
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How significant is the change?Â
A small change to your start time may feel very different from a major change to your working pattern or total hours.
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How much notice have you been given?
Consider whether you have been given enough time to understand and prepare for the proposed change.
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How will it affect you?
Think about childcare, caring responsibilities, travel, other commitments and your income.
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Have you been given a reason?
Understanding why the change is being proposed may help you decide how to respond.
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Have you been asked for your views?
You may want to ask whether the proposed arrangement can be discussed.
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Do you want to accept the change, question it or object?
Being clear about what you want can help you decide what to do next.
What Usually Happens Next
What happens next will depend on the situation and how your employer is handling the proposed change. You may want to: Check your contract and any relevant workplace policies. Ask your employer to explain the proposed change, including why it is needed and when it would take effect. Raise any practical concerns you have about the new hours. Ask whether there is room to discuss or adjust the proposed arrangement. Keep a record of important conversations and written communications. If you do not agree with the change, you may want to explain your concerns clearly and ask what options are available. If the situation becomes more serious or you are unsure about your position, you may wish to seek appropriate professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer change my working hours without asking me?
It depends on the circumstances and the terms of your employment. Check your contract and any relevant flexibility or variation clauses. If the proposed change is significant, it may be appropriate to ask why it is being made and whether it can be discussed.
Can I refuse a change to my working hours?
You can raise an objection or explain that you do not agree to the proposed change. What happens next will depend on your contract, the nature of the change and the circumstances. If you are considering refusing a change, it is sensible to understand your position and the possible consequences before deciding what to do.
Does a flexibility clause make a difference?
It can. Some employment contracts include wording that allows certain changes to working arrangements. However, the exact wording and the circumstances of the proposed change matter. A flexibility clause does not automatically answer every question about whether a particular change is appropriate.
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Important: WorkAnswers provides general workplace information for UK employees. It is not legal advice and does not replace advice from a qualified professional. Workplace situations can depend on individual circumstances.
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