as i understand it, the salary protection issue is a load of c##p. the way it is being interpreted is that although,as tecks, our basic salary is reduced - and should be protected - the unsocial hours etc will take us over the salary we now get, so there will be no protection. gasp. in effect their looking at it as a pay rise despite the fact that we may loose up to 3k in a basic wage. less pay no protection, when all the exciting "extras" are added on. you may have to pay back the £1/hour. I'd get your union rep involved and insist on legal action.