HR Question regarding transfer

[Anti-Chris]

Hi all.
A family member of mine is faced with the following problem.
She is employed at a specific branch at a company. The company recently informed them that they will be closing that branch and all of them has to move to another branch about 50km away or resign.
I am not 100% sure about what the correct procedure would be in such a case.
I am under the impression that the employer does have the right to transfer an employee anywhere he likes, except if it is specifically prohibited in the contract of employment. What I am not sure about is whether the employer can force them to resign if they do not want to accept the transfer or if they must be retrenched?
Anyone with experience in this?

 

[WesleyDB]

I'm not too certain about the relocation aspect however it is illegal to force an employee to resign, they will either have to retrench or find grounds for dismisal.

 

[A3@MBB]

I'm not too certain about the relocation aspect however it is illegal to force an employee to resign, they will either have to retrench or find grounds for dismisal.

So if you don't pitch for work you cant be fairly dismissed?
The employer is not forcing any employee in this case to resign, only expressing the only other alternative left for the employee to follow.

Be grateful of the opportunity at the other branch, it could have been much worse with no other alternative.

 

[WesleyDB]

So if you don't pitch for work you cant be fairly dismissed?
The employer is not forcing any employee in this case to resign, only expressing the only other alternative left for the employee to follow.

Be grateful of the opportunity at the other branch, it could have been much worse with no other alternative.

As I said they will have to find grounds for dismisal, not pitching up for work is grounds for dismisal.