Negotiating Redundancy

[Eliza70]

Hi, does anyone have any advice or tips on how to negotitate a good redundancy package? I have been give the reasons the need for my job had "diminished", and can appeal it - has anyone experience of doing this?

[muffint]

Haven't myself but friends have used a solicitor. Costs about £80 (going back a few years) to get them to have a look and write a letter on your behalf but I'm told it's worth it. You can just ring up and ask them how much it would be and what they can do to help you. Best of luck.

[RamblingRosa]

Is there a union where you work? Are you a member? Your union rep is the best person to help you to negotiate a good deal.
Good luck!

[seeyoukay]

I doubt a solicitor would be much help.

Usually the contract states what redundancy is paid and if not companies usually default to 1 week for every year of service or statoutery payments.

If I was making people redundant and I got a letter from the solicitor I'd just bin it as long as you act within the contract/law they can't get any extra from you.

[muffint]

Think it depends on the type of company you work for and the situation. I know two people now who were made an initial offer and managed to increase it when their case was put forward by an employment lawyer.

[flowerybeanbag]

On what basis do you think there is room for negotiation? Do you think you have a potential legal claim against them?

In which case the best way to get them to offer you some more money is to proceed along the lines of appealing it explaining exactly how the decision or process was unfair, indicating that you are prepared to take it further and hoping they would rather offer you some more money to prevent you doing so.

If there are no problems with either the decision or the process used, then you are not really in much of a position to negotiate anything.

[onimolap]

You should however negotiate your reference before you sign. Some companies do little more than confirm dates, but if there is anything else you want included get it sorted sooner rather than later.

[Eliza70]

Thanks, all very useful. I think there is room for negotition and in a recent meeting the CEO said they wanted to be able to portray me leaving to the rest of the staff as a "win/win" situation

I am on mat leave, and they offered me alternative jobs but they were unsuitable (less money and a demoition) and they are saying as I have not taken the jobs it is voluntary redundancy - is that right? It's just I have a policy to cover the mortgage but it's invalid in a VR situation.

[MrsWobble]

if your issue is the mortgage policy then I'd definately talk to them about the wording of your departure. you may be able to get something negotiated that meets the conditions in your insurance policy and there's no reason for your employer not to cooperate - particularly if they want a win/win.