social work redundancy/redeployment /procedure question

[kimtwin]

I am employed as a socialworker in a specialist role providing therapy to children and young people. It has been muted for a little while now that they are 'reviewing' the service. Three weeks ago i was informed that the service would be moved to local NHS but i would have possibility of being 'tuped' to that service and stay in my role. Two days later i was informed by another manager that this was indeed the case but i would not be transfered/tuped. I was assured that any changes would be in some months time and i would be informed along the way. Today i was in a meeting and informed that as of 31st march the project i work for will cease to exist and i won't have a job - they will offer me re-deployment to a children and families team.

Questions
Can they just call me in and do this? Shouldn't they have given me something formal in writing?

I don't want to work in a children and families team, what do i do. My boss said if i don't like the options offered then ihave to resign. Is that true?

If i have the email saying that i will be offered opportunity of 'tupe', is that binding especially given that nothing else is in writing?

Should i have been informed to bring union rep with me or to consult with HR?

I was employed a year ago when i now know they have been planning changes for 18 months, should they have told me at ionterview that changes were being planned?

Phew? sorry this is a bit rambling but just in shock at the moment. Love my job made big sacrifices a year ago to take up this position (as did my family! its less money and lower grade and less hours than previous job)because i wanted to specialise. Now thats all come to nothing and it feels like my only option is to take a job that I never ever wanted.

Hope I might get some advice as I have to 'do' something tomorrow can't just sit back just don't know what my next move should be

Thanks
Kim

[Finona]

Kim, don't know the answers to your questions, but sorry about this. Have you contacted Union anyway? Are you in BASW?

[kimtwin]

I rang union yesterday to ask advice as I had this meeting today and wanted to discuss my options. Never dreamt that they would tell me all over at end of march. Union guy didn't seem that dynamic and just said ask them to put their plans in writing are they intending to make you redundant or redeploy you? As it happens I held off sending that email as I knew i was meeting boss today at 8.30am. So i still have nothing in writing although i did request it. other members of staff are saying that they have crossed a line and have not followed procedures but not sure what line they have crossed

thanks