Unsure of working right with regards to childcare

[boringnamechange]

Im not really sure how to word this or maybe explain it well but here goes....
I took on a new job 18 months ago within my employers with hours that suited my childcareIm arrangements which I had in place for 2 years before that.
Now a whole new structure has came into play and I am possibly being moved hours to do lates.
Since April I have been asked to do shifts outwith my child care arrangements and did this thinking it was only temporary but by doing this I still had to pay my childminder even though I didn't need it and wasted £400.

What, if any, rights do I have to say that until my contract is changed I will refuse to work out of my availability and therefore only work when I am paying for my childcare???? And do I have any rights to say that as I have this childcare arrangement, which I have had for 4 years, that they shouldnt ask me to work outwith this? I know the needs of the business are important obviously but I'm getting made to do shifts which I didn't sign up for.

Sorry that's long but at end of my tether with my work and need advise on what to do.

what does your contract currently say regarding which hours you work and giving notice, it may be that as long as you are doing the same amount they have the right to change the frequency to suit the companys needs. similar thing happened to me (although it was just a case of half an hours difference here and there- but it still impacted childcare. my contract had a clause at the end that basically meant they could change my hours to suit the service altho they were very good and gave me the notice i need to give the nursery)
i can see it both ways, as employers they will be thinking that you are contacted to do this job and your childcare arrangements are of no consequence to them,
however as a mum its hard to chop and change childcare and work as a "flexible" employee especially when its childcare where a nursery/CM will only open and close at a certain time.
sorry not to be able to give you any helpful advice, hope you get it sorted!

Does your contract specify your working hours?

As a whole new structure has come in, they are not singling out.

Having children does not in itself confer any additional employment rights. I doubt you can rely on previous established pattern as there has been a complete reorganisation. You have the right to ask for flexible working (ie change to the normal shift pattern of those doing your role) but no guarantee it will be granted. Or you could make an argument that the restructuring has made your previous role, and therefore you, redundant; that will depend on your exact circumstances.

I would raise these issues with your line manager ASAP, but would not start missing shifts five months after the changes. But that you have tried, not flounced, should strengthen your position on other points you may choose to make. Getting advice from you Union is always worthwhile.

As the new pattern is going to cause you problems for some time, would you consider seeking a new post elsewhere that would suit you better?

Thanks for all the advise - must add the new changes that are coming in are different to what I agreed to do in April which I thought was a compromise for another member of staff and to avoid having to swap teams. Feel totally used and my good nature pushed to the limits. Also must add other members have refused things like this and havent been made to do anything.
It's retail and I know that they can just change my contract if I disagree. They call it making yourself redundant.
Have spoke to line manager and hr but getting nowhere so will speak to head manager tomorrow.
At the end of the day I am totally fed up with the place and now looking for somewhere else. I know it's not going to be easy but the sleepless nights, tears and worry are not worth it :( Thanks for the replies x