Asked to train my replacement

[Meeker]

Hello all,

I work for a small company. The owner wants to give away approx 1/2 of the work I do to another colleague. I am expected to train & handover to my colleague. This would cut my hours in half. My job is specialised within the business, so there is nothing else to replace it. The other colleague already has a full job.

If I refuse, and am thereafter given the sack, do I have grounds for wrongful dismissal?

Many thanks....

 

[Malchy Dorris]

Have they actually said that you will be handing over 1/2 your work to this perosn and that 1/2 your hours will be cut? Or are they just trying to have cover for the specilised work you do in case you become ill or leave etc.?

 

[Meeker]

I have estimated that the 50% as that which will be lost. As for the motivations behind the work, it is faster if the other person does the job, rather than making a request via me. But this is my job, not theirs. The other person already does 6 days a week 10/hrs a day, so it seems unfair to me.

So with that info, is it legal?

 

[mhall]

If you don't like it, leave. If it's faster and therefore presumably cheaper for them to use someone else, they have every right to do so as long as they inform you of any changes in your contract and do it properly.

If you feel you are being treated unfairly you have the right to look at a tribunal.

I would make one point- it's not YOUR job. You are employed to do a job for someone else, that makes it their job to give to whoever they want

 

[Malchy Dorris]

Don't know if what/how they are doing is legal or not but it does sound like they're trying to become more efficient and run a better business - can't blame them for that!

If i were you i'd be making sure that i did the job as fast (and better) than anyone else. It's a bit concerning that this other person does that many hours at their own job and will still be able to do half of yours faster than if they leave the work with you!!! Or am i missing something?

Try talking to them to see what you can do different/better in order to help the company with their improvment plans. If you're helping move the business forward and improve you'll be in a much better position.

 

[fisicx]

As for the motivations behind the work, it is faster if the other person does the job, rather than making a request via me. But this is my job, not theirs.

Why not learn their job so you can both work more efficiently.

And it's not YOUR job. It the job given to you by the company. If they choose to change things around then you have a choice: adapt or accept redundancy.

 

[TotallySport]

surely the best place to air your concerns is your employer, they are the only real people that can answer your questions and resolve your issues.

 

[internetspaceships]

Yes, you seem to be getting all bent out of shape and bitter over something you haven't even got the facts about yet.

Ask your boss outright, and then you'll know. Don't be passive aggressive. It's not a nice trait.


Not really a team player are you.

 

[Rhodes100]

Most of the time at the moment people are being made redundant and the existing staff are expected to take up the slack and work more.

Are you sure the reason for this is because the business you work for is doing well and they have recognised that you are overworked?

Communication is the answer, tell your boss your concerns, it must be said however that they are not good bosses if they don't communicate with you and be upfront as well.

Not sure that he can simple cut your hours and pay as I would have thought that it would effectively be constructive dismissal.