25 hour contracts ...

[Thommo44]

My point is that if it’s a permanent increase in your contracted hours there’s no problem, if it’s a temporary increase that they can switch off when they please then everyone should refuse.
The talk about race to the bottom, we’re almost there

I had this argument with the manager and he wasn’t too pleased.

I bet he didn’t have any answers? They must think we are stupid

[Cantsayno]

Hello everyone,

I'm 25 hours working in delivery over 5 days. With DM26 looming, I am told I NEED to increase my hours, or I risk ending up in a mail centre. So what I wonder is, is there anyone else out there working 25 hours that's been allowed to stay at 25 hours? And not in a job share? And how does it then work in your office?

The agreement is clear. It is your choice to agree an increase in hours.

I can't find this in the agreement anywhere.

[Cantsayno]

Take a look at your contract.if it states 25 hours then thats your contracted hours.No one can enforce more or less hours without your agreement (new contract of hours )
They also can not change your workplace without your agreement.


An employer cannot force you to work more hours if your contract specifies fixed working hours, unless you agree to the change or a valid contractual clause allows it.

​Your Rights in This Situation

​1. Fixed Contracted Hours Require Your Consent

If your contract states a specific number of weekly hours (e.g., 30 hours a week), increasing those hours is a change to your terms of employment (a variation of contract). Your employer must consult with you and obtain your agreement. You have the right to say no.

​2. Check for Overtime or "Flexibility" Clauses

​Compulsory Overtime: Check if your contract mentions mandatory overtime or additional hours "as required by the business." Even if it does, the total hours must still comply with legal limits and remain reasonable. ​Flexibility Clauses: General phrases allowing the employer to change terms rarely give them unlimited power to permanently add significant hours to your schedule.

​3. Maximum Weekly Working Time (48-Hour Limit)

Under UK law (Working Time Regulations), you cannot be forced to work more than an average of 48 hours per week unless you have voluntarily signed a written opt-out agreement. If you haven't signed an opt-out (or choose to cancel it), they cannot legally compel you to exceed this limit.

​4. Protection Against Indirect Discrimination

If working extra hours is difficult due to protected characteristics—such as caring responsibilities (childcare/eldercare), a disability, or religious commitments—forcing the increase on you could constitute indirect discrimination. Employers must consider reasonable requests or adaptations.

​Recommended Steps to Refuse the Extra Hours ​Review Your Contract: Double-check your core contracted hours, overtime clauses, and notice terms. ​Have an Informal Conversation First: Tell your manager clearly that you cannot take on the extra hours. Focus on clear, objective reasons (e.g., existing personal commitments, health, work-life balance). ​Put Your Decision in Writing: If they continue to press the issue, send an email or letter formally declining the increase. State that your current contract specifies [insert number] hours and that you do not agree to vary these terms. ​Beware of "Fire and Rehire": In rare cases, an employer might threaten to terminate your current contract and offer a new one with the higher hours. This is a complex legal area with strict consultation rules—seek legal or advisory support immediately if this is mentioned. ​Get Free Professional Advice: Contact ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) at 0300 123 1100 or your trade union representative for confidential guidance tailored to your exact situation.

Thank you for the information. I do have a 25 hour contract over 5 days between monday-saturday. I started in 2019. They say if I can't increase my hours I will be displaced- potentially to a mail centre. I have reasonable adjustments in place to stay on the duty I'm on, but that makes no difference.

[tramssirhc]

The agreement says it is voluntary to increase your contract hours. It also says that any existing arrangements will continue. If you are in the CWU you need the rep to deal with this.

[Cantsayno]

The agreement says it is voluntary to increase your contract hours. It also says that any existing arrangements will continue. If you are in the CWU you need the rep to deal with this.

I am in the CWU. It was our rep who told me Im going to end up in the mail centre. I had a OH appointment today, arranged by my manager, to discuss if and why my disabilities prevent me working more than 25 hours, as "25 hours cannot be accommodated and it's likely I'll be displaced" I'm going to get in touch with my regional branch first thing tomorrow.

[tramssirhc]

The agreement says it is voluntary to increase your contract hours. It also says that any existing arrangements will continue. If you are in the CWU you need the rep to deal with this.

I am in the CWU. It was our rep who told me Im going to end up in the mail centre. I had a OH appointment today, arranged by my manager, to discuss if and why my disabilities prevent me working more than 25 hours, as "25 hours cannot be accommodated and it's likely I'll be displaced" I'm going to get in touch with my regional branch first thing tomorrow.

Yeah, ring the branch secretary and ask what the CWU are going to do. You do not have to increase your hours. All that needs to happen is that your finish time is in line with everyone else. That should allow you to book on in time to leave at the departure time. The duty patterns do change the length of the day as we work less days.

If you know the duty patterns and times let me know and I'll give you an idea of what you may expect. I've not increased my hours and all that's changed is the length of the days.

[Crowseer]

The agreement says it is voluntary to increase your contract hours. It also says that any existing arrangements will continue. If you are in the CWU you need the rep to deal with this.

I am in the CWU. It was our rep who told me Im going to end up in the mail centre. I had a OH appointment today, arranged by my manager, to discuss if and why my disabilities prevent me working more than 25 hours, as "25 hours cannot be accommodated and it's likely I'll be displaced" I'm going to get in touch with my regional branch first thing tomorrow.

Im in a similar position. Got an OH appointment today. Have you already had an OH appointment. If so you need to mention this in the appointment and go back to your manager and ask what has changed since the last appointment that means there is no longer a job for you. This sort of thing is happening all over the country. They want people to quit so they can be replaced with newbies that dont know any different. Your condition may fall under the equality act. You cannot be forced to change your hours but they WILL try and use something to leverage you into something that suits them. It's hard to stand your ground but stick to your guns. Even if they say you need to come in for 2 hours on an extra day. Then check there are no other special deals in your office that contradict your situation ie someone else may be coming in 30 mins every day to make up their hours etc.

[Crowseer]

My point is that if it’s a permanent increase in your contracted hours there’s no problem, if it’s a temporary increase that they can switch off when they please then everyone should refuse.
The talk about race to the bottom, we’re almost there

In our office the manager has coerced a few PT staff into a "temporary" reduction of hours to fit in with DM26. When pressed on the duration of the temporary period it gets a bit vague. The current version is "until the re sign" which is supposed to be in a couple of weeks. I bet that doesnt happen as he will then say it's too close to peak. DM26 isnt working in our office but they have people on jobs. None of them know what theyre doing but they dont care about that. A resign will cause Chaos in the office as seniority will unseat dozens of people from their jobs. Currently we have new starters that have their own jobs and senior staff as leave reserves! PT staff are now being treated as a huge problem in our office. The unions response was "they were expecting everyone to go full time". All well and good but they should have had a plan B for the other option of no one wanting to go FT.

Any others out there who have been told to reduce their hours?

[menditsa]

In our office the manager has coerced a few PT staff into a "temporary" reduction of hours to fit in with DM26. When pressed on the duration of the temporary period it gets a bit vague. The current version is "until the re sign" which is supposed to be in a couple of weeks. I bet that doesnt happen as he will then say it's too close to peak. DM26 isnt working in our office but they have people on jobs. None of them know what theyre doing but they dont care about that. A resign will cause Chaos in the office as seniority will unseat dozens of people from their jobs. Currently we have new starters that have their own jobs and senior staff as leave reserves! PT staff are now being treated as a huge problem in our office. The unions response was "they were expecting everyone to go full time". All well and good but they should have had a plan B for the other option of no one wanting to go FT.

Any others out there who have been told to reduce their hours?

That's illegal under employment law unless they are getting paid for their contracted hours.
There is no short-time working clause in the new contract, just checked mine.
Providing fewer hours than contracted while refusing to pay the difference is typically a breach of contract.

[qwerty2]

In our office the manager has coerced a few PT staff into a "temporary" reduction of hours to fit in with DM26. When pressed on the duration of the temporary period it gets a bit vague. The current version is "until the re sign" which is supposed to be in a couple of weeks. I bet that doesnt happen as he will then say it's too close to peak. DM26 isnt working in our office but they have people on jobs. None of them know what theyre doing but they dont care about that. A resign will cause Chaos in the office as seniority will unseat dozens of people from their jobs. Currently we have new starters that have their own jobs and senior staff as leave reserves! PT staff are now being treated as a huge problem in our office. The unions response was "they were expecting everyone to go full time". All well and good but they should have had a plan B for the other option of no one wanting to go FT.

Any others out there who have been told to reduce their hours?

That's illegal under employment law unless they are getting paid for their contracted hours.
There is no short-time working clause in the new contract, just checked mine.
Providing fewer hours than contracted while refusing to pay the difference is typically a breach of contract.

Some PTimers have been threatened - go FT or get sent to another office!

[HTPostman]

In our office the manager has coerced a few PT staff into a "temporary" reduction of hours to fit in with DM26. When pressed on the duration of the temporary period it gets a bit vague. The current version is "until the re sign" which is supposed to be in a couple of weeks. I bet that doesnt happen as he will then say it's too close to peak. DM26 isnt working in our office but they have people on jobs. None of them know what theyre doing but they dont care about that. A resign will cause Chaos in the office as seniority will unseat dozens of people from their jobs. Currently we have new starters that have their own jobs and senior staff as leave reserves! PT staff are now being treated as a huge problem in our office. The unions response was "they were expecting everyone to go full time". All well and good but they should have had a plan B for the other option of no one wanting to go FT.

Any others out there who have been told to reduce their hours?

That's illegal under employment law unless they are getting paid for their contracted hours.
There is no short-time working clause in the new contract, just checked mine.
Providing fewer hours than contracted while refusing to pay the difference is typically a breach of contract.

Some PTimers have been threatened - go FT or get sent to another office!

Then those PTimers should stick with their current hours, turn up at their current office, demand transport to and from the other office. They might get a loop done before coming back.

[Crowseer]

[/quote]

Some PTimers have been threatened - go FT or get sent to another office!
[/quote]

That one has been mentioned in our office although theyve not actually acted on it. YET