New shift pattern being made permanent against my wishes

[greattaerg]

Hello,

A few months ago, my shift pattern was changed. I was told at the time that it would only be temporary — until August — but I have now received confirmation that it is permanent.

The new arrangement requires me to work five 8-hour days instead of my previous four 10-hour shifts, including EVERY Saturday and Sunday, with no additional pay. I previously only worked weekdays.

I am the only person in the organisation on this shift pattern due to a “specific skill” I possess that no one else currently covers.

I’m feeling increasingly frustrated. This change was made without my consent, although I did manage to get it confirmed in writing that it would only last until August.

If there had been some recognition in terms of additional pay, I would be more open to compromise.

Does anyone know if I have any rights in this situation? Or is it just time for me to leave?

Thank you for any advice!

I would phone ACAS for advice
Tel: 03001231100
They should be able to advise you.

What does your contract say and how long have you worked there?

If your the only person with the skill set, what do they do on your 2 days off? ....... it seems very unfair to make you work every weekend, not surprised your unhappy OP.

Are you in a union, was there any consultation phase, have they told you why it's changed. What sort of work is it.

What changed in the work process that promoted the new rota?

How needed are your skills?

How long would it take to replace your skills with a new hire or you training someone?

Yes to ACAS, and the union if you are in one.
I'd also be polishing your CV, and get yourself open for work on the recruitment websites.

How are they covering your role the days you are off? Every weekend is a tough gig.

I am the only person in the organisation on this shift pattern due to a “specific skill” I possess that no one else currently covers.

What happens on your days off!?

If you have a specific skill, they should be wary of you leaving. Advise them you’re looking and call your union.

I would contact your union or ACAS about this. Now your working 5 8 hours shifts and working every weekend for no extra pay. You were told this new shift hours were until August but it's now becoming permanent.
Most people have weekends off and if they work weekends it not every weekend.
I also think that you should be getting more pay for working on the Sunday.

When you more relevent information regarding this from your union or ACAS you can decide what to do. After this I would chat to your employer and ask them are they are they taking on another person with your skill set? Could they train up an experienced co worker to do your job?

Have they not considered that you don't want to work every weekend? What happens if you get sick or you have holidays booked? Say if you rang in sick next Sunday morning would your boss have to cover your shift? If you did this would you come back to 2 days work the following day?
I would not stay in a job that has me working every weekend for no extra pay.

I would not tell them about looking for another job. You may find that with your experience you could get better money and nicer hours elsewhere.

@Ilady there is absolutely nothing in law that says weekends can’t be considered normal working days or that they have to be paid at a higher rate.

Will depend on what your contract says. This happened to me (retail big British brand) originally weekdays only during school hours. As soon as probation was over they decided to switch my hours up to Saturday working which I was unable to do due to childcare (as stated at interview and the manager was fully aware). Small print in the contract read that they could change hours if it will benefit the business, so nothing I could do but quit. I was fuming.

I did ask OP what their contract said but they haven’t bothered replying.

Check your contract.

however if you are considering leaving, it might be worth having a word with your line manager and say that obviously if they can’t give you your old shift pattern back, you’ll have to start looking for a new role, that you won’t resign until you’ve found a new role, but given you are the only one skilled with xxx you wanted to give fair warning so they could start training someone else up. Sometimes the reality you aren’t just grumpy about it, or want more pay for weekends etc hits, that you will leave, some companies put more effort into finding workable solutions.

Of course this presumes this isn’t just an attempt for your management to get rid of you. (Because many people would walk at this.)