Can they just change my hours?

Crazychik

The last company I worked for changed all their rota's and shift hours/patterns. Suppose to be making it more family friendly. the shift pattern they offered me, wasn't that way inclined at all. It meant some nights working till 6pm, at the time, I was a single parent, and struggled to find suitable childminders, who offered school runs, or worked late, or even had places for 2 children.

They was pushing for the staff to sign their new agreement - I DIDN'T
I took it to my team manager, and drew up a rota of my own, offering the days/hours I could and was willing to work. They took it on board, as I wasn't the only one to have been in that situation (back then my daughter was age 5) and I was covered under the company's "special requirements"

I wrote a letter stating why I couldnt work the hours i was offered,ie being single - no childcare - children's ages,etc - I enclosed the new proposed shift patterns which was more suitable. I gave them 4 options, It took about 2weeks, but they finally agreed with my requirements
In the end, I worked 16.5 hrs per week, working mon, tues & fri 09.30 - 3pm each day, which allowed me to take the children to school and fetch them, aswell as days off in the week for various appointments etc.

They also adapted for other people
Stick with your guns, dont sign anything, and try to offer your hours which you'll be capable of working, dont let them bully you into this.