Could a person be sacked (or made redundant) for refusing a promotion, or refusing to move into a new work position (i.e. activities different from those in their contract)?
cheers 🙂

If they refuse a suitable alternative and assuming correct procedures have been followed, yes they can lose their job as the position they were in has been made redundant.

There's usually a line in most contracts that goes something like "or any other suitable duties"

Ok, so what about an actual bona fide promotion?

If the employee is cable of the work, they can be instructed to do it
If they also get a pay raise for the new work – so much the better
I guess they could simply refuse the raise then it wouldn't be a promotion

It would depend on whether the promotion would be considered a suitable alternative.

For example, if it meant working away from home more you could refuse to accept it.

Did they apply for the position? I doubt it/No
IS this part of a redundnacy /redeployment round? Proobably if deemed suitable /appropriate /equivalent
Have they just been offered the job ? No
The company could make it blooming difficult though if they do refuse to though.

If the employee is cable of the work, they can be instructed to do it

Not if the duties fall outside your current contract of employment which they almost certainly will it is not any other duties as required it is a different job entirely as signified by the term promotion.

More details would help

Check the 'employees' contract

Speak to Unions/ACAS

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1461