Change an employee's terms of employment

Introduction

You may wish to change an employee's agreed contract of employment because your business has changed - for example, through economic circumstances. Areas you may want to change can include pay, hours worked, different duties or a new workplace.

Before altering any staff contracts, make sure you know exactly what is in the original.

Sometimes an employee may wish to change the contract, perhaps to get better pay or working conditions, or to switch to part-time working.

Before making any changes to the contract it is important to consult as far as possible with your staff - put any changes in writing.

From 6 April 2005, employees of large companies (more than 150 employees) have the right to be informed and consulted about the business they work for under the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations.

This guide gives advice on how to work effectively with your staff and outlines your legal obligations.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Check what the existing contract covers
• Consult employees
• What if we can't agree?
• Checklist: changing an employee's terms of employment