Employer made verbal offer of new role and then changed mind

[CosmicVagina]

I returned from maternity leave in to my previous role as account manager junior. In my first few weeks back the sales director was under a lot of pressure so sent me loads of work to do.

At my 1-2-1 he offered me a role as his (and other manager's assistant) with a £6k payrise. Perfect for me so I jumped at the chance. Come the 1st October when I was meant to start they said the need wasn't there now as they have taken on more staff and had staff back from long term sick. They are honouring my pay rise and I'm to think of what I want to do.

My problem is I cant see any other role in the business that will let me develop my skills to meet my new wages. I can only see the need for lower admin level jobs.

I have an email saying they agreed to my new job title of exec assistant and that they were preparing a JD. Do I have any recourse if they cant find me a role with responsibility fitting my new wage?

[BritInUS1]

Call ACAS