What rights do I have?

whatsername

Hi there...I will try to keep this brief...

I have been working as a support worker in a residential care home for almost 2 years now (2yrs in November). I was employed as a bank worker, but have been working regular shifts for most of that period (although these have changed).

A few months ago, having family problems, I asked my employer if I could start my evening shifts later. This was agreed to. This persisted for some months before I was asked to go back to the original start time. I managed to negotiate a compromise. Subsequently another member of staff made the same arrangements.

At some point during this time, I was offered a full-time contract. I turned it down at the time as I couldn't work full time due to family commitments. Later I discovered some of my colleagues had taken the deal, but on a part-time basis. When I asked if I could now go on a part time contract, I was turned down.

Recently I have been asked again to revert to the original shift start times. This time I was given no choice. I told my boss I could not do one of my shifts, as I could not arrange childcare on that day, and asked for a swap. She finally responded that if I wanted to swap shifts then I needed to speak with my colleagues and arrange it myself. *However* in the meantime she has already reallocated my shift, so I am left with nothing to offer anyone as a swap. The person who has taken my shift (who was the one to suggest the earlier start times in the first place, and is (coincidently?) the boyfriend of my the daughter of the big boss...) is not responding to my requests to 'swap' and I am now left with not enough hours to cover my rent and bills.

I thought that working for a small, family business was a benefit. A few months ago when there was a rough period, I helped out by taking additional shifts to cover, I have always been a good, reliable worker,and taken very little time off sick. I have cancelled or swapped several shifts more recently, but feel that since I remain a bank worker, I am entitled to do so - I have always given plenty of notice.

Apart from being very hurt and upset by the way I have been treated, I am obviously now in a very precarious financial situation, but what are my rights now? As a bank worker do I have any right to be unhappy with my treatment, or legally, are my employers acting fairly? Thanks for any advice and feedback.