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Step down or go on to a performance improvement plan (PIP)
Q. My wife has been with the company for 14 years and was promoted to manager in January 2023, she had a 6 month probation period. Now they asked her to step down on a friendly call and said the position is not right for her.
They offered two options: stepping down or being put on a performance improvement plan (PIP). They advised that stepping down would be better, as failing the PIP would result in termination after three months and the stress involved.
My wife asked why the PIP was being implemented, as she hadn't been informed of any issues by her area manager or HR until now. She also questioned why she was being asked to step down.
On Friday, the area manager called her and advised her to step down by 2pm over a phone call, stating that it was best for the record. They refused to disclose where she would be moved or what position she would hold until she agreed over the phone. Reluctantly, my wife agreed to step down but requested information on the location and the extent of the pay cut she would experience. The area manager said she will deny the phone call as she was only doing it to help her out. She was informed she will get a variation form soon regarding the changes,
Can they do this?
A. I would advise that you write everything down and put in a written grievance to the company, and include the phone calls which will be denied. Ask why now PIP was put in place during her 6 month probation period. It looks as though they are trying to force her out or reign back on their decision to promote her to a managerial position or leave altogether. Explain that she was coerced into stepping down and considers it grossly unfair. And if you want to dig deeper, make a subject access request - they have 28 days to comply (See the Information Commissioner's website). If she is considering resigning, on the face of it she may have a claim for constructive unfair dismissal.
Equal pay query
Q. Hi. Am I entitled to equal pay as somebody who does the exact same job as me on the same shift and holiday entitlement. We work in the same department and have both signed a job description form and I’ve worked there 10 years longer. Thank you
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