What length of notice is acceptable for work to change my shifts?

[VivaLeBeaver]

I work 3 shifts a week and a friend warned me today that shifts for next week have been changed. We got given our shifts some time ago and I've booked childcare.

So I've had less than a week's notice and I don't feel its fair on me or more importantly the childminder. Its also a good job my friend warned me as I'm not in this week till Friday so it could have been even less notice.

It happened before and I moaned to the person who does the shift rota that I was out of pocket as I'd now have to pay 2x childcare. I also said that I wasn't sure I'd be able to work the changed shifts as it would depend if the childminder could have DD. She said that "the service comes first" and saying that I had childcare issues wouldn't be acceptable.

Depends on your contract if you do any 5 from 7 etc should be listed what time the change can be made.

There's nothing in my contract about amount of notice. It just says that I can be made to work any shift and that I work 3 days a week.

Are you in a union?

Yes, but the union rep is a manager and we don't exactly get unbiased advice.

Can you contact the Union head office directly?

Doesn't sound like you are entitled contractually to any notice specifically. Is the person who does the rota your manager?

If your childcare arrangements mean you need a reasonable amount of notice you could consider putting in a flexible working request along those lines if a word with your manager doesn't help you achieve that.