nhs forcing me to up my hours - have I any rights?

[glendatheveryexcitedwitch]

hi

I am a maternity care assistant and since returning to work after maternity leave in April and starting uni my hours were agreed with my then matron for me to drop from 23hrs pw to 11.5 pw.

hr have sent me to contracts to sign both stating 15hrs pw and both being emailed back to hr stating 11.5 hrs was agreed - heard nothing back.

new head of department wants everyone on a 15hr pw minimum contract - as the shifts are long days of 11.5 this is impossible and it has been suggested I do 3 shifts a fortnight which would make my hours 17.25 pw

I am studying midwifery at uni so either in uni 5 days a week or in placement doing 37.5hrs pw. i have a 7mth old daughter so every other wekend they want me to work 2 long days.

i am coping well with family, uni & work at the moment but think it would finish me off upping my hours.

i cant leave work as my wages and rubbish bursary pay my childcare fees.

i am awaiting someone from rcm to contact me but could be waiting weeks - i have emails from my then line manager agreeing to hours before taking mat leave.

have i any rights to decline or am i gonna have to suck it up and probably end up having a breakdown???

thanks in advance for any advice

It seems illogical that you cannot work the equivalent of one shift!

However, they can increase your hours but only after they have consulted and you agree you can, if you do not agree then they would have to put you at risk and you may possibly be made redundant. I would:
a. question the reason why have to work 15 hour min when shifts are 11.5. Ask for specific business need.
b. explain your circumstances are only for short period and you will increase hours accordingly after that.
c. ask when formal consultation is commencing re change to hours.

It may be that one shift a week is not seen as a viable role but they need to discuss this with you properly not just via a contract.