To be absolutely furious, stressed, angry and in state of panic about this?

[nicecupoftea2013]

There has been restructuring in work, so we had to go for an interview for our jobs. There are enough vacancies for staff as some had left.

My interview went well, a person on the panel said "well done" as we were walking out.

I then get a phone call saying "interview was for another position also (not advertised) and when we spoke to a manager, he said no, he doesn't want you to have the job."

The next day I get a phone call, saying you have failed the interview, you are being made redundant.

I am furious, as I am a great employee. The chair of the interview panel has made sexist comments, and broken confidentiality when he spoke about another candidate. He has done other things too which raises serious questions about his professionalism and integrity.

Unfortunately, the other person on the panel is ambitious and will say anything to keep in favour with the managers.

As a widow, I am really stressed about being made redundant, especially when I have done nothing wrong. Obviously it isn't a nice job with these managers, but I would prefer to work here than be unemployed. I am scared of being unemployed as there is high unemployment in north of England.

I have asked for feedback, but the answers were vague and non committal, saying I didnt score enough points. He rushed through my interview as he had another meeting, and he even answered his mobile phone in somebody elses interview.

I have been treated appallingly by the whole process. Although, I face a risk of being bullied if I stay, I would prefer that to being on the dole.

I am waking up at night panicking and seeing these managers faces.

[MaidOfStars]

Does your original job still exist in the new structure?

[Rowlers]

Are you in a union? Could you seek advice and support there?

[LizzieVereker]

I'm not well versed in employment law, and I'm sure other wiser people will be along shortly but I just wanted to bump and keep this in active convos for you, and to say I'm so sorry, that sounds awful . I hope you get some great advice on here.

[Pancakeflipper]

Even if you are not in the union, the reps will usually talk to people especially when restructures.

Are there other teams? We found with our restructures that most of us ended up in other teams.

[DaveBussell]

All sounds very dodgy, sorry you are having such a bad time.
If there are enough jobs for everyone then they should be offering you something otherwise it makes a nonsense of the term 'redundant'.

Is there an appeals procedure with the redundancy notice - have you had anything in writing yet? Definitely take advice on this - if not from your Union then I recommend Citizens Advice.

Be prepared for a lot more stress though, you are going to need to develop a tough hide and be determined to fight against this injustice. Good Luck!

[heartichoke]

Sorry this is happening - it's rubbish, isn't it?
Call ACAS helpline -
www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=2042

They give good advice

[shoom]

It sounds like they may not have followed the process properly. It might be helpful to post in the Legal / Employment.

[ItsIgginningToLookALotLikeXmas]

Did the manager who said no, he didn't want you, take part in the interview? Are you thinking you were not picked for sexist reasons, or just that the guy is sexist in general? I would think they have to be able to evidence why you were not successful. Who will get the post now? (Ie are they as qualified as you)

[Freyaee]

Are they giving your job to anyone else? If they are making you redundant they aren't allowed to do that (as it implies the role is no longer necessary). Sounds dodgy and terribly managed to me, I'm sorry for the way they've treated you. Unfortunately, it seems bullying is common in the workplace because people know it is hard to stand your ground when jobs are scarce and people are financially insecure and scared of the repercussions. Now you have nothing to lose, make an official complaint about this guy's behaviour. I hope you can find help and preferably a new job where they will respect and value you.

[LuciusMalfoyisSmokingHot]

Is your job role still available, as they cant make you redundant from you current job role, only sack you if they intend to fill that role with another person. Atleast thats how i understand it.

[LuciusMalfoyisSmokingHot]

tbh, it sounds like they plan to sack people but dont have good enough reasons and are trying to work around that by making you interview for another role, although you didnt know it was for another role.

[snooter]

Citizens' Advice Bureau website might help

[UriGeller]

Yup, its when the job you do no longer exists that means you are redundant.

If the job is still there (even newly under a different name) they cannot make you redundant. Only sack you.

[LuciusMalfoyisSmokingHot]

Did you apply for another role, as i'd question why they are interviewing you for a role you didnt apply for.

[gubbygubby]

HI, i had to make someone redundant last year and they are NOT. I only had 5 employees and i had to follow procedure very carefully. The same as a big company.
There has to be a consultation period.

1. the company announce a consultation period as redundancies need to be made.
2. they choose several people for this consultation period.
3. they have to give everyone a score . This is called a Matrix.
4. The people with the lowest score told they are at risk of redundancy
5. Further period with meetings with all affected.
6. Final decision made.

If they do not follow this procedure then you have a very good case for unfair dismissal.
Following the correct procedure was drummed into me by the legal men, as this is how to avoid lawsuit.
THEY CAN NOT DO THIS. Please try not to worry till you have spoken to someone. The law is on your side.

[gubbygubby]

Not allowed

[nicecupoftea2013]

Yes, there are still vacancies but they still made me redundant. I have spoken to ACAS who have given me great advice, but I do believe I will be facing a lot more stress as I fight them.

I am so angry about it though, how can idiots get jobs, act arrogant, be in the wrong and get away with it? My job pays the bills and rent, I dont get paid enough to deal with extra stress, but I do have to fight it.

I have been shaking with anger and have lost weight from it all. I keep on bursting into tears too, so it will be hard to find my tough hide, but I will have to.

I think it will be better to fight, than be unemployed. I think it is easier to look for work when you are stressed than unemployed and demotivated.
Am I right in thinking that?

It will be a hard fight though. They just told me not to return, just get my belongings, but I returned! they had no right to do that.

Gubbygubby, they didn't do that, so I probably have case for unfair dismissal. Just hope they give me my job before it goes that far.

[Joysmum]

ACAS are the ones to call. You can also go through yellow pages for solicitors specializing in employment law who do a free initial consultation and have your info and questions ready and organized to make the most of it.

[Freyaee]

Have you sent them a letter explaining that you're seeking legal advice? It might make them rethink their attitude towards you. I hope they have given you a proper redundancy pay out. Yes, definitely fight them, it's stressful and horrible, but it will never change if people are allowed to get away with this.

[gubbygubby]

Do not leave. It will be tough , but they are hoping you will go quietly with no fuss and hope that you font know the procedure.
Go on the acas employers website and print off the step by step procedure that I to you about.
They will then realise that that you are aware that they can't do it.
Telling you to leave now is sacking you, incidentally, you can't do that either without following procedure.
Knowledge is power.

Please do not allow them to get away with this.
How long have you been with the company?

You are entitled to a weeks pay for every year worked.
As long as you have been there 2 years .

[gubbygubby]

Is it a big firm?

[whitesugar]

Nice, I am sorry you are going through this. I have no advice but just want to say this is exactly what is happening where I work. A totally clueless individual got a major promotion recently above several highly capable candidates. She got it because the boss is a sexist pig and she looks the part and it is highly likely that she was given the questions prior to the interview. The other candidates are devastated. If they complain their cards will be marked and that bastard will make their lives hell and they will never ever get promoted. As well as this staff are being made apply for their own jobs which have been worded so they won't even get shortlisted for interview. They are being made redundant and the jobs are being advertised again at lower grades.

I am so stressed out about all this it consumes my thoughts. It is making me extremely anxious. I have no solution but I just wanted to say you are not alone and I really feel for you. I don't know anything about the legalities but I know where I work making a complaint would make things significantly worse. I have thought about submitting a formal complaint but the procedures are extremely complicated and designed to deter people from complaining. Going down this route would just cause me massive stress. The only option I have is to keep my head down and feel lucky that I have a job. This option is extremely stressful as well. There are zero jobs where I live and if I lose my job I will lose my house. God knows! I hope you find a new position.

[whitesugar]

I also meant to say that the union reps where I work are worse than useless unfortunately.

[NearTheWindmill]

If there are still vacancies at or close to your grade there should be redeployment opportunities. Make an appointment with HR and ask them to take you through the procedure and how it has been applied to you.