Extending lunch/working hours- pregnancy & childcare concerns

[Demelza82]

I have a somewhat fractious relationship
With my employer, too much detail to go into at the moment as I just want to focus on this one particular issue.

Most of us are employed on a 37 hour contract with 30 minutes for lunch. However they have today announced that they are considering increasing our lunch break to a compulsory 1 hour. They have stated it is to enable people to take more breaks during the day and to get outside more at lunchtime. This is in my opinion, bull and not the first time they have put more sanctions on their employees under the guise that it is best for us. We work in an office on an industrial estate out of town with nowhere to go. My view is that they are doing it so that people will get bored before the hour is up and do more unpaid work. Also I believe it is a way of getting more office cover at the start and end of the day although there is currently a rita system in place on my team which works well even when people go on leave

I am currently 6months pregnant, and probably work close to 50 hours a week despite being one of the lowest paid members of staff and having had my pay frozen for the last 3 years ( I know it's my own stupid fault and I should say more but....). I was hoping in the next few weeks that I would drop down to my statutory hours not least because As I get bigger I know I will struggle more. Being told that even when I oo this, I will HAVE to stay on site for another 2.5 hours a week has really upset me. I am also incredibly concerned that it will limit any flexible working/childcare options if I don't manage to get another job before I am due to go back after the baby is born.

I am discussing the issue with my Union, because to me it represents a massive organisation wide change to our terms and conditions. Where do people realistically think I will stand.

[ChocolateTeacup]

What hours do you work? What hours are stated in your contract?