We've got some good workers in their late 50s, and we'll be happy to keep them on, but they won't want to do it full time. Can we amend their terms?

 

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20. We've got some good workers in their late 50s, and we'll be happy to keep them on, but they won't want to do it full time. Can we amend their terms?

Yes, by agreement. You cannot amend them unilaterally to any significant degree - for example, hours worked or level of pay - without risking a suit for constructive dismissal (see Dismissal). If you recognise a trade union working on behalf of these employees, you can renegotiate the terms with the union: otherwise you will have to get agreement from your workers on an individual basis.