Can employers change hours after you've signed papers?

I haven't had luck with jobs here. I've had about 60 working days period in about 2 years. I can't seem to find a full time job, just these part time 1-3 hour a day jobs. I've had two jobs (one I worked and a potential) lower the pay rate on me from the ad I answered. The first time I said nothing as it was my first job. Second time I brought it up and that is a story in itself. I've had jobs where I've not been paid for my work etc.

I just sent back paperwork for a part time seasonal job. I get a text from the hiring lady telling me from my 18 hour job they just knocked off 6 hours and I should text to confirm that I'm OK with this. I just turned down a 4 hour Monday job at a good pay rate because it clashed with the 18 hour job (and it has since been filled). I'm pretty desperate so I will probably just go through with it, but is this the norm here? My first job was a 2 hour job then they knocked it down to 1:15 as well.

Should I say no and see if they will come around or not? This is a cleaning job at a well known department store.

Edit: Also, I want to ask - Does a new contract need to be resent for the new hours? If I decide to find employment elsewhere and not go with the 12 hours, even though I signed the contract for 18 and the hours have changed to 12 is that no longer binding? As in could I tell them no thank you I'm not happy with the change and that be it? Just trying to look at all the options.

I think these employers might be in breach of employment law. The terms of even a verbal contract are binding...

What industry/ies are you trying to find work in?

This seems highly unusual to me... but I work in education.

Edit: Removed most of my message because my worries are no longer valid. I emailed the lady and got a reply. She said they cut the hours so they could extend the job time, which is incorrect. She stated a new end date as if it had been extended. It was the same end date that I read when I applied. So the contract had not been extended out. Not sure why she used that as an excuse, but whatever. I told her I was no longer interested. I've been messed with so much in the past with jobs here and potential jobs I have no patience for companies fooling about anymore. I have an interview at a place this afternoon. More hours and money so hopefully it goes well.


To answer your question - I'm trying to find work anywhere. My old career is not really easy to get into here and I am open to start something new. With my experiences here I just want to find a job that pays at least minimum wage is full time and doesn't kill my hand or back. (Back issues and carpal tunnel)

Yeah that all sounds super fishy to me. You could probably pursue a breach of contract claim, but it probably would not end up being worth it financially.

Once you are offered terms (even if you are just offered them verbally), these terms are legally binding. That is such bad form for you to be messed about like this! I think the only way they can change the terms is by consultation and consent, unless it is across the board to prevent redundancies etc...

But I am by no means an employment law expert...

*nod* Well I had the interview at the other place today. She offered me the job and I start on Monday. There was also an offer of teaching me other job skills (office works/accounts) if I want to hang around after my work and be mentored. So crossing my fingers everything will go as planned.