Adoption Leave and Redundancy

[lovehopejoy]

Hello all,
I've never really posted on here, but read everything (beginning to wonder if I'm addicted!)...anyway, we've been matched with an 8mth old and are due to go to panel at the end of the month, with proposed intros starting beginning of Dec. All going swimmingly until I got an email at work today to say we've entered a period of consultation regarding restructure and as a result there will be redundancies. :-(
Needless to say its caused me some stress today!
Does anyone know how I stand legally? I know if I was on mat leave my job would be safe, but not sure it's as straightforward legally with adoption leave? Also as I'm not yet on AL and will probably start AL just after the end of 30 day consultation period, how will that affect things?
If anyone knows or has had a similar experience I'd love to hear from you.
All advice gratefully recieved.

Thank you :-)

[Italiangreyhound]

I've no idea but I wonder if it is worth consulting a legal firm and whether you might get that info out of them for free?

[Italiangreyhound]

Good luck.

[silverlinings79]

I'm going through this right now! :)

l'm now trying to work out what is policy and what is law though hmmm?!?!? I have to do all the assessments with everyone else even though currently on adoption leave. I'm not guaranteed to keep my role but they've told me I'm protected as they cannot make me redundant while I'm on leave, they have to find me an alternative post for my return. I'm being treated exactly the same as my colleagues on mat leave. Only protected once on leave though. But our consultation period was a couple of months, I don't know how long yours will be? I spoke to my boss pretty early on and was provided with company policy on it, I'd start asking questions now. I'm presuming this is law but it could be I just have a good company policy, so request yours ASAP. They have to support you so they should be pretty willing to do that.

I really feel for you This has added stress at the worst possible time for me and doing assessment work in the evening in first 6 weeks is knackering and don't feel like I'm doing it justice. I am being interviewed at home during their nap time though, as I said I won't be able to come in and it seems they do have to accommodate your situation. My heart goes out to you, it really does.

[silverlinings79]

Just thought, info was not actually in adoption policy for me but redundancy policy. Though as each company rights their own, could be either for you :)

[silverlinings79]

Sorry and just re-read to see 30 day consultation period! We had date for assessments to see who stays start after consultation period, this now lasts another 2 months, so while I went off after consultation I'm protected from once decision is made. But I suppose that really depends on what 'consultation period' means for your company

[lovehopejoy]

Thanks everyone. Sorry to hear that you're going through it as well Silverlinings79. Rubbish isn't it. We should be able to enjoy this time not dealing with additional stress! I'm now down in London ready for the big meeting tmw. Guess we'll all know more then, but doubt I'll specifically know any more?!

[silverlinings79]

I know! People say to me, well at least you'll know you are protected to an extent, you should be happy it's happening to you now......errr no, I would like to take my leave as 'leave' and focus on the reason I am off, like the majority of everyone else who takes adoption/maternity leave thank you very much!

Anyway, I digress from the point of this message....good luck tomorrow with the big meeting! Let us know how you get on :)