Good Day,

I work in the retail industry (since August 2017), 'managing' a small clothing boutique in a coastal village.  My letter of appointment states that I'm a Sales Assistant.  Every month we are given a sales target, based on the previous year's targets.

November has been a very quiet month and we have not even achieved a quarter of the sales target so far.  The centre is undergoing construction, which is affecting the foot traffic to the store and the surrounding shops have reported the same 'bad' sales results as I have.  

Last week I received a call from our HR consultant talking about the sales not being on par and said she will send me a note to further our discussion.  This note turned out to be a "Councelling Received" letter in which she has given 3 options that I can consider for changing the sales and the letter stated that if I have any further Zero Sales Days, I will receive a written warning.  During our discussion we were talking about the possibility of me having flyers printed and she said I need to request the logo from our MD, do the design and provide a couple of printing quotes.  When I requested the logo from our MD, she asked why she needs to get involved.  Head Office's responsibility is to deliver stock, our responsibility is to sell it.

I sent a message to HR outlining the current problems experienced with the construction and the foot traffic.  I also confirmed that the MD has stated that HO is not prepared to assist us with any promotion.  No response was received.  This impacts my ability to get people to the store in order to sell.

Last night I received a letter from our HO consultant stating that if our monthly target isn't reached, my salary will be reduced by 50%.  In a response I said I'll address the content of the letter in the morning and in the meantime would appreciate if she could indicate where in my employment contract mention is made to the affect that the company can change my income.  

There has been no response from her.  I have however, received a call from one of the other owners, telling me to stop emailing HO and to 'show him the money'.

I'm not sure what I can do here.  Are they allowed to adjust my salary as they see fit? The other contracted employee, that helps out at my store 2 - 3 times a week hasn't received the same letter.

Your guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Warmest care,

Charlinda