Hours have dropped below contracted

dazsim

I would like to first start by explaining the situation. About 9 months ago I started a new job and I was taken on with a 20 hour contract. I was getting over 30 hours a week and this was great - as it was a new job i assumed this was normal. Now 9 months later and the situation since christmas has changed. I've dropped down from 30 hours to 20 and finally the last 2 weeks i've had 9 hours. next week i'm working 1 day 5 1/2 hours and they've booked me off my last 4 days holiday. Since Christmas they've booked me off 2 weeks holiday(at the time i was fine with this as i know it has to be taken before the end of march). My contract clearly states Normal Hours of work : 20 which there clearly not giving me - i've raised this concern with a boss and they've said there aren't the hours to give because sales are down. I'm unsure where i stand with this. Also way the company works is they pay your contracted hours(in my case 20) and then the following month they take back anything overpaid. Am i right in thinking the retail law here

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Pay/DG_10027228

means that they cant deduct more than 10% of my earnings each month until the overpayment is rectified? If this is the case, i'll run up a big debt as they have to take the overpayments back over time.

If this isnt bad enough, they have transferred a member of staff from another store who's effectively taken 15 hours from the staff that are already working here.

I'm worried that if the hours dont pick up it will significantly affect the various things were currently entitled to. Anyone have any advice or suggestions as to what i should do. Theres nothing in the paperwork i have that details how they can reduce hours below contracted hours(although my hours do vary from week to week.

Hope i've not missed anything. Let me know if i've forgotten anything

regards

Daz

Ttp608

you dont happen to work for lidl do you?