Changes to contract and child are issues

[madasamarchhare]

I posted about this yesterday but in chat so apologies if you've already seen this and replied to me.
I work in a busy large shop currently working hours to fit around child are which my husband and I share between us. We have no available hel from family and friends. Where do I stand if employer produces a business need for me to change my hours to include a finish at 2130 which I absolutely cannot do as husband works nights and I'm pretty sure I would be unable to find a cm til 2200!
As far as I can see they will still need to employ somebody in the hours I do although this will be easier to do as I have 'nice' hours!
Do I have any rights around child care? Ds are 8 and 10. Or will it boil down to the fact they can change my hours as business need says this is necessary and serve me notice if I'm unable to comply?
Any replies very appreciated. Please be honest

I need to dig it out and have a good read it has all been a bit of a sudden announcement. Iam expecting it to include something along the lines of hours can be changed to accommodate the business need and a minimum amount of x weeks notice will be given. I would guess if this is the case I won't have a leg to stand on so to speak.

Not necessarily. If you have set contractual hours at the moment, either specified in your contract or established over a long period of time, this would mean a change to your terms and conditions, and it's not just a case of giving notice.

Your employer needs to first try and get your consent to the change, consult with you properly, and listen to suggestions as to how else the business need could be met.

Ultimately, if you still refuse to accept the change, they could technically terminate your employment and reemploy you on the new terms, which is slightly risky possibly but doable if there are genuine business reasons for the change and they've consulted properly.

Is this change applying to lots of people or just you? If it's lots and the change will impact more on women due to childcare issues, then there is the potential for it to be indirect sex discrimination.

If you do need to change your hours to include this 9.30 finish, could your dh change his hours? Even if he started a little later one night a week ... Your kids are at about the age I think you could leave them for 30 minutes alone

Thanks for your replies. Dh has no leeway over his start times at all he's out 7pm til 8am. Employment is female dominated although I am one of a v small few with dependant children. Contract does specify my exact hours which I've been doing 5yrs +. I am v reliable never off for childcare reasons hardly ever sick. Was v upfront with my situation at initial interview. My circumstances have not changed since then. Most annoying thing is my hours will not b redundant they still need someone to fill the hours I currently do!!

If they will still need someone to do the hours you do will these new hours be added ontop, ie extending your hours worked per week?

No Brian no extension to hours I have been asked to do a 2130 finish and rest of days will remain the same. The day I finish late ill start late and another bod will do my afternoon shift