UKMy employer has changed my contract terms without agreement. Is this lawful?
No, your employer generally cannot lawfully change your contract terms without your agreement unless the contract explicitly allows it or you accept the change.
What the Law Says
The Employment Rights Act 1996 sets out core protections for employees regarding their contractual rights, including the requirement for a written statement of employment particulars.
Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, an employer must provide a written statement of employment particulars to employees within two months of starting work. This document forms part of the legal contract and includes key terms like pay, hours, and place of work.
Any change to those terms — such as salary, job role, location, or working hours — is only lawful if the employee agrees. Unilateral changes (made without consent) may amount to a breach of contract, and in some cases, constructive dismissal.
While the statute does not contain an explicit 'no unilateral changes' clause, section 4 establishes the legal foundation for enforceable contractual terms — meaning alterations require mutual agreement unless the original contract contains a valid flexibility clause.
Statutory Text— Employment Rights Act 1996 s. 4 — c. 18
What to Do
Check your written contract and any flexibility clauses — not all 'variation clauses' are enforceable.
Raise the issue with your employer in writing, stating you do not accept the change.
If the change is imposed anyway, consider seeking advice from ACAS or a trade union.
You may be able to claim constructive dismissal or breach of contract in an employment tribunal — but you must file within 3 months less one day of the change or resignation.
Keep records of all communications and the original and altered terms.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.