Can employer change my shift pattern?
Mia Phillips
Updated on March 20, 2026
Who can change a shift pattern? As an employer, changing shift patterns is your decision. Despite this, it’s crucial you get the employee’s consent before doing so. If their hours aren’t fixed, you may change them at your discretion, so long as the change is reasonable.
Can my employer change my shift pattern without notice?
If the contract permits the employer to change the days on which you work, it is likely that you will be required to change your shifts. However, if the contract states that your working pattern is 20 hours per week over 3 days, the employer is not permitted to change your shift pattern without your agreement.
Can my employer change my working hours Covid?
Employees have rights arising from their contract which affect working patterns. An employer can make a change (‘variation’) to an employment contract if: the employee agrees to the change. the employee’s representatives agree to the change (for example, a trade union).
How much notice does my employer have to give to change my shift pattern?
According to an employment law expert, “An employer should give an employee who works an irregular shift pattern reasonable notice of their hours. Normally this would be included in the contract of employment and the standard notice period is around 7 days.”
How much notice does an employer have to give for a shift change?
How much notice do I need to change my working hours?
The notice period for the change to working hours must also be agreed with the employee in advance of any change being imposed. The general rule here is that you must provide a minimum of one week’s notice for each completed year of service and at least the same amount of notice if you were dismissing the employee.
Can a employer refuse to change shift patterns?
Even if the employer can satisfy one of those business reasons and properly refuse a request to change shift patterns or to not work new shift patterns, working mothers are protected by anti-discrimination legislation.
How to deal with unscheduled absences at work?
Keep track of different absences, including both scheduled and unscheduled absences, to make sure you’re fulfilling your legal requirements as an employer. And in the case that you do need to let an employee go for absence-related issues, you’ll have a record that supports your decisions. 4. Address unscheduled absences and no-show’s immediately
How much notice do you have to give your employer to cancel a shift?
There is no law simply defining reasonable. However your contract may state this. In most cases, a minimum of 12 hours notice would be expected as reasonable notice to cancel a shift. It may be reasonable to have more notice of a requirement to work (rather than not work).