I've worked for the same small company for fifteen years and loved it. I've hardly ever taken time off sick and I've been commended and praised on my work etc. by management. I work with two other colleagues - both mothers. I am married, with no children (even though we tried for years and would both have loved a family). One of my colleagues who has worked here for some time before me has always worked part-time (needed to drop and pick kids up from school). No problem. She then took every summer (July/August) off (school holidays). This arrangement is being made permanent this year as it's an 'historical' arrangement (is there such a thing?). My other colleague has worked here, part-time, for four years. She also has children. She has now asked for a reduction in hours during July/August so that she can take the kids to the beach! I work a four day week and asked for a reduction to 2 or 3 days as my husband needs help with his business. I was refused! I have worked diligently for fifteen years. I'm so upset. If I had children I think my request would have been looked on differently. I feel like telling them to go and take a jump but that would be shooting myself in the foot. I really need a break for the place. I'm not getting at all those who have children but I do feel like I've been discrimated against. Do I have any rights at all?