Being made redundant (again)

TwistedSpirit

For the second time in less than 2 years i am being made redundant.
First time the business just closed and that was it.

This time I have been invited to a meeting next tuesday to discuss my redundancy.
I have been told I can take a representative with me.
Despite being the previous time this is the first time meetings have been involved.

Can anyone recommend what I should take with me, what i should look out for to make sure it isn't an unfair dismissal.

I presume my employer has guidelines they need to follow dealing with a situation like this but I am just left in the dark over it all.

I would appreciate any suggestions!

simonaspinall

I'd try the citizens advice bureau who can point you in the right direction about employment law and how the process of redundancy should be conducted + what your rights are.

Document everything...in fact, if you can even tape the conversation so you have an accurate record of what is said. (if you're allowed to) as adrenalin and emotions can sometimes skew the memory.

Sorry to hear this is happening to you. Aside from that, i'd bombard agencies, websites and employers with your CV and request permission that your redundancy notice be allowed to include time off for interviews and a glowing reference from your line manager.

Keep your chin up fella, things will turn out ok

morstar

The reality is that although the meeting is tabled as a discussion, the decision is most likely already made that you will be going. Not definitely the case but on balance of probabilities it is.

Having only been there a short while you won't be entitled to much. The most important thing I would do is seek expert help so you actually know what you have a right to (find your contract or offer letter for details). I'm thinking leave for interviews, notice periods and what you are entitled to if you find a job in your notice period. With no big payout likely, it is these little details that will matter if you are fortunate enough to find something quickly.

My sympathies for your situation and good luck for the future. I had the same experience myself of twice in less than two years. Worked out well in the end and that's what you have to keep in mind. It can be a good thing in the longer term.

rick_chasey

Sucks.

Can't offer any useful advice, but keep your head up.

Crapaud

Take your union rep.

Failing that, ACAS's helpline iand website are excellent.

glamrox

Check out:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ ... /index.htm

Bobbinogs

I think you need to clarify whether the meeting is about redundancy or being placed at risk of redundancy. For instance, there could be 10 of you being placed at risk with the possibility of 5 roles being made redundant. The number being placed at risk will determine the timeframes for the consultation period. If there are less going than being placed at risk, be sure you ask for details on the selection criteria.

I found it really hard when I was made redundant 10 years ago and you really have to keep the fact that it is the role that is going (and you with it) rather than someone just saying "you're rubbish". Companies will always be looking for good employees so I hope you get through this ok and, if you do end up leaving, just move on to the next phase of your life. Best of luck.

inkyfingers

All I can say is go into your meeting with a positive frame of mind and try to think of some ideas about how the company could save money in other ways rather than letting you go.

I have had the unpleasant task of overseeing quite a few redundancy programs over the years and it's amazing how most people come into meetings assuming their job has already been lost when sometimes it isn't. The last time around there was a young lady who came into the meeting so positively with loads of ideas, pleaded for her job, offered to work flexi time etc etc and we changed our minds and kept her as we were so impressed.

TwistedSpirit

I think it is 100% definite that I am going.
I am the only person in the job role and the role was created when I started (as in I am the only person who has done this job) and now they think they don't need me!

inkyfingers

TwistedSpirit wrote:

I think it is 100% definite that I am going.
I am the only person in the job role and the role was created when I started (as in I am the only person who has done this job) and now they think they don't need me!

Maybe, but don't just give up and roll over. If you are the only person that does your job try and think of all the things you do that they would miss if they got rid of you, no matter how trivial they may seem to you. Also try and think of other things you don't do but would like to do.

TwistedSpirit

inkyfingers wrote:

Maybe, but don't just give up and roll over. If you are the only person that does your job try and think of all the things you do that they would miss if they got rid of you, no matter how trivial they may seem to you. Also try and think of other things you don't do but would like to do.

They are giving my job to the sales people rather than have them sat around waiting for customers!
In august they gave me a payrise as I was to learn new jobs within the company. Guess they have now decided that it was the wrong move to make!

Pross

I may be wrong but if someone else is actually going to do the work you are currently doing i.e. all the work you currently do will carry on then you would have a strong case against them especially if they are then giving your work to someone less qualified to do it. My understanding is that you can only make a post redundant and then need a policy in place for determining who in that post they get rid of. If it is a case that they no longer have the workload in the area you work in and you are the only person doing it then obviously you would be the unfortunate person but if they are saying they are going to give the work to someone else who has been there longer and who is lacking work in their own area then they would be in a sticky position especially if they aren't qualified for the job.

SteveR_100Milers

I know how you feel, another victim here. My advice is to take notes, back up all conversations in writing, and make sure your employer allows you enough reasonable time to find anopther job if they expect you to work your notice. Assuming that they dont think they need you anymore, then try to negotiate a PILON (pay in lieu of notice) and remember there is statutory redundency pay of £380 per year of service, which is not taxed. It's probably too late for new cover, but check all of your unemployment insurance to cover debts, income etc

If you think you are being messed around then conttact CAB. English employment law requires an amployer to follow a set procedure of notice of threat, consultation period, then confirmation of redundency date.

Good luck, get networking as its tough out there. I hope you find something soon.

Crapaud

SteveR_100Milers wrote:

... remember there is statutory redundency pay of £380 per year of service, ...

That's not strictly true. In some circumstances you require 2 years service before being entitled to redundancy. I know of one company who would hire people and then get rid of them on some pretext just before their 2 years were up to avoid paying redundancy.

spen666

TwistedSpirit wrote:

I think it is 100% definite that I am going.
I am the only person in the job role and the role was created when I started (as in I am the only person who has done this job) and now they think they don't need me!

That sounds like a classic redundancy situation.Sadly

Weejie54

In some circumstances you require 2 years service before being entitled to redundancy

For statutory redundancy payment, I believe there is a requirement of employment for two years in all cases.