As part of a restructuring programme, is it possible to reduce an employee’s responsibilities and status (i.e. lower grade job title) while leaving their base pay unchanged? Could this be viewed as a demotion?

Given the reduction in responsibilities and change to a lower job title, this could be viewed as a demotion. However, much will depend on whether the employer has an express contractual right to change or vary responsibilities or grade/title. If so, then the employer may rely on this contractual entitlement to change the employee’s position, providing that such a change is justifiable and reasonable in the circumstances.

Absent such a contractual provision, then any attempt to impose such changes unilaterally without the employee’s agreement or acquiescence will put the employer at risk of a claim of breach of contract or constructive (unfair) dismissal proceedings. While the employee’s