An employer is usually required to obtain their employee’s consent before making changes to their employment contract.
An employer must consult or negotiate with employees or their representatives before making any changes, explain the reasons for changes and listen to alternative ideas from their employees.
When and why may employers propose contract changes?
Your employer may consider employment contract changes for reasons such as:
·      Ensuring your contract is up to date with new laws or regulations
·      To introduce or change terms and conditions for staff
·      To reflect changes to the company or organisation
·      Economic factors such as the restructuring of the company
Imposing a change
If a contract change has not been agreed, your employer may impose a change and inform you as to when that change will begin to take effect. Your employer should put the change in writing and explain to you why it feels the proposed change is necessary.
You may also be asked to sign a document to confirm that you understand that the change will take place as well as to confirm with your employer your acceptance of the change.
Accepting the change
If you choose to accept the change, you should continue to work for your employer according to the new changes implemented.
Disagreeing with the change
Should you disagree with the proposed change by your employer, you may choose to ‘work under protest’. This means you continue to work for your employer but you make it clear to them that you disagree with the proposed change and take steps to raise it. Working under protest should only be for a short period of time, and during that time, it is key that you make attempts to resolve any concerns with your employer or take legal action.
You must communicate in writing to your employer that:
·      You disagree with the change
·      You are working under protest
·      You may consider taking legal action if your concerns are not resolved
It is important to ensure that you do this continuously, while the disagreement with your employer is ongoing.
If your employer imposes a change that makes your terms and conditions significantly worse than before you might be able to resign and make a claim for constructive dismissal.
In situations where you may want to make a claim for unfair dismissal or constructive dismissal, you may choose to seek legal advice.
Call a specialist employment lawyer Â
Magara Law is an employment law firm with offices in Bicester, Banbury, Reading, and Paddington, London, and serves clients nationwide. 
For more information or to contact our employment law team at Magara Law, call 01869 325 883 or email roy@magaralaw.co.uk.
