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Forced Reduced Hours

riamaria

Hello everyone,

I have 3 longterm health conditions and I currently work 28.75hrs a week. However, in recent months my conditions have deteriorated and ive been struggling at work and at home for sometime.

I have raised my concerns with my employer and at that point they were supportive and arranged an appointment with Occupational health. And some reasonable adjustments have been reported.

Even with the adjustments im still struggling. I recently asked my employer about reducing my hours to 24hrs a week. I was told it wouldn't be a problem and they were happy to accommodate what I needed.

I had an update conversation with them last week. Where they have now suggested that they will give me 20hrs a week, thereby allowing them to use hours from my vontract now to hire another person or give the hours to a current employee. Which I understand from their stance but I haven't requested 20hrs and it does kinda feel like its a tit for tat response from them.

Im currently also claiming UC to top up my income. I have also messaged my uc case manager for advice about reducing contracted hours and where I stand from their point of view. I've not yet had a response from them.

I feel like im falling into a hole with no real understanding of where I stand on any of this.

Any advice or guidance would be appreciated.

Thank you

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Comments

Topcat71

I understand your situation I been through the same. I drop my hours from 22 to 12 hours a week and applied and got awarded the higher lcwra as you can earn up to 680 approximately before Lcwra taken away something like 50p in every pound earned. If you can get by on this I would suggest doing it as it helps with trying to still stay in work. Regarding the advice from UC they don't seem to give advice on the best options I found . I repeatedly ask how many hours before I lose entitlement but they never answered. I suppose they in work and think you trying to play the system but it's not that as in my case its about getting the best support to allow me to stay in work.

I don't have the exact numbers but I work 12 hours and get maximum lcwra as I don't go over the 673 approx limit but if my wages do I get stop 50p in the pound.

I hope this helps

riamaria

Thank You for your reply @Topcat71, much appreciated.

Like most people, im far from trying to play the system but just asking for a little. Despite struggling financially for a few year's and physically for a couple of years. It was only last month that I applied for UC. Im trying to stay in work for as long as feasible possible.

I might have to do some more research to get my answers, if its unlikely UC will give any information...it does seem a little crazy that they wont even engage in a conversation regarding this.

I will see how it plays out at work regarding their standpoint.

Topcat71

What answers do you need I may be able to help

riamaria

If I reduced my contract to 24hrs, will I be penalised by UC, as technically it would be a voluntary action.

Topcat71

Sorry I read your post again. Yes I been there with my employer and they didn't want give me the exact hours I wanted. I would suggest you take the offer of 20 hours and maybe look for something else to make up the 4. They don't have to give you anything but like to be seen to be offering you what they think will work best for the company and they say you as well.

riamaria

Its still at the discussion stage regarding work. I will keep talking to them and see if there can more a mutual ground to work on. I would still need to also know if that means I will be penalised by UC for voluntarily reducing my hours.

It feels like walking in eggshells around these people.

Topcat71

In my work I reduced to 12 hours and originally ask for 16 but they wouldn't accommodate that . Although after a month they try put me in for 24 hours or 16 when they have sickness or holiday. So I would go with the 20 hours because they don't have to do anything I was told by my union representative. You find in time it can change very quickly so reduce hours for health is better to start if with

riamaria

Thank you so much, I've really appreciated your advice and having this conversation

Wiseowl2000

Hi there @riamaria, did you find out if UC would penalise someone for voluntarily reducing their hours? I am in a similar position. Thanks!

riamaria

Hi @Wiseowl2000, UC never responded to my question. My place of work was going to do a trial run at 24 hours a week for me to see if it triggered anything from UC. Unfortunately ive not going to be able to test it as ive just had emergency surgery today.

I guess I will have to wait a bit longer to find out.

Im sorry im not able to be more helpful.

charl1234

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1017280#Comment_1017280

If u are on pip daily living element u can still ask for a wca and earn more as I do and still get lcwra

charl1234

As far as uc are concerned u can ask for a sick note that states reduced working hours needed from go which is what I did which triggered lcwra assessment also although had to wait abit for it x hope tha helps

riamaria

I only just recently claimed UC, as a top up to my income, I was trying to survive on basically a part time wage. I live alone. Ive had one payment from them so far. Im awaiting a PIP decision, as ive only recently, (March), put in a claim.

Ive no idea what I should or shouldn't be claiming.

I think it poor that UC have completely ignored my question, when they are meant to be supportive.

riamaria

@charl1234. Do you think that's regardless of hours worked and hours being reduced to.

Essentially I only want to drop 4 hours, 28.75 to 24 hours.

charl1234

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1027423#Comment_1027423

Yes uc don't care what hours u work if lcw or lcwra u need sick notes for reduced hours from go yes u will get **** from uc till u get assessment but in long run u will be better off if u are single u only have to work 18 hours to get uc and no hassle

charl1234

Put in sick notes so triggers assessment so u may get lcwra then

riamaria

I finally got a response from UC. They have advised me that the aim is to work 20-22 hours a week and/or earn £950 a month, if I keep within that freshold it wont prompt UC appointments.

Hope that helps anyone in a similar situation. I think its worth asking them, even if it does take them an age to respond.