Good evening. I'm totally new at this so excuse me if I make a mistake!

I have worked for a large rail company for six and a half years. Around 18 months ago I was told my role and a colleagues role was at risk. We were both doing the same job as Marketing Assistant but they were streamlining the role into one job. We were both interviewed for the role and fortunately for me, I got the job.

It became apparent that the role was too much for one person (as we suspected all along) and after almost a year in this role (Oct 09) I became ill with Panic and Anxiety Disorder and was signed off work by my GP. My employer was very supportive and although I felt a huge amount of guilt as there was no one else to do my role, I was re-assured that I was their priority and I was to get better.

I received two welfare visits at home and took the company up on their offer of seeing a counsellor whilst I await CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) from my GP.
Counselling has been an amazing help and CBT is proving very productive.

My partner also works at the same company and 3 weeks ago he came home and told me that my job was no longer 'there' but they had found me a new role within another part of the business at the same salary.

Now I know that bit all sounds a bit odd, but apparently my role became redundant just prior to Christmas and they consulted my counsellor and asked how best to approach with with me due to my health. My cousellor said that I was progressing very well and working extremely hard at getting better and so it would be unproductive to to inform me of this before Christmas and they were to wait until another role became available.

I have been offered an admin role on a 12 month contract covering maternity leave. The HR manager from my part of the business was told that I did not need to have an interview as with my performance record it was a 'no brainer' for me to get the job and that although the lady going on maternity leave was on a lower salary than me, to carry my salary over would be no problem - we all met last week and I was really looking forward to a fresh start with a new team; everyone was great and the office has a super working environment.

I start training on Monday and begin a two week handover. This afternoon my new boss called to say that 'his boss' wouldn't honor my current salary that I was verbally promised and have a letter from my current HR dept which states 'all T&C's remain the same' (as my old role).

Can anyone help and tell me where I stand legally please? Thank you for any help!

Okay - you have been signed off work ill as a result of stress at your job - your company has been responsible about it and they have taken steps to make it right. Now they have promised you certain salary (verbal contract) and then reneged. I would say they are changing the terms of your contract without your agreement and also disadvantaging you becuase of your illness.

I would ask for a meeting with HR about this. Also consider seeing an employment adviser, or union legal rep if you have one. You could also raise a grievance. I think you are entitled to the salary as they agreed. There are various options ending in a tribunal that you could take - this may not be the best solution, however.

Perhaps ask for independent legal advice to clarify your position. While this may cost you in the short term, it may result in you having a larger salary.

Sorry about my rambling post. It is a complex area.

Best of luck.