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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take Voluntary Redundancy

63 replies

ElevenBells · 24/05/2025 06:31

After 10 years of being in the same job I have been offered voluntary redundancy at £20k (salary is 40k pro rata). Don’t particularly like my job, it’s dull and the office environment is toxic but the hours fit in with kids.
AIBU to take the money even though the job market is struggling and there’s few opportunities out there, especially part time which is what I would need. Realistically, I’d be applying for low level/minim wage jobs.
Background is that DH earns well but we have no savings as we weren’t able to get onto housing ladder until well into 30s so all savings have gone on deposit/jobs around the house.
I’m hoping to find a job, no matter how low the pay fairly quickly so I don’t have to dip into the redundancy payout and we can stick it in an ISA.
Is this madness? Senior management have assured staff that there are no plans for compulsory redundancies but they don’t have the best track record of keeping their word….

OP posts:
IMustDoMoreExercise · 24/05/2025 06:54

Also I remember giving the same advice to someone else and when I saw her again she said that she wished that she had realised how hard it is to get another job when you don't already have one.

She thought that it would be easier bc she could start immediately etc.

Justbidedmytime · 24/05/2025 06:52

ElevenBells · 24/05/2025 06:48

9 and 6

Ok so part time
and then a mix of holiday clubs and dh for on the days you’re at work over the holidays

this doesn’t necessarily mean minimum wage op

what does your dh think you should do?

IMustDoMoreExercise · 24/05/2025 06:52

It is always easier to get a job when you have one rather than when you are unemployed.

I turned down redundancy in a similar situation 20 years ago for this reason and have no regrets. It was a toxic workplace too but it depends how toxic yours is, only you know.

How long could you live on one wage? There is no point having savings if you have to eat in to them bc you can't get another job.

IDontHateRainbows · 24/05/2025 06:50

I'd be tempted to take it but be prepared for a long wait to get a new job particularly if are restricted on hours.
Are you ok with being out of work a year or more?

Original poster
ElevenBells · 24/05/2025 06:48

9 and 6

OP posts:
Justbidedmytime · 24/05/2025 06:48

ElevenBells · 24/05/2025 06:44

The package is tax free. I’m limited to what I can apply for because DH hours means that I do most of the school runs etc. Wrap round care is expensive and hard to come by in my area so although it’s fine for a couple of days a week I wouldn’t want to pay for 5 full days plus holiday clubs. No family to help out either.

I think I’m tempted at the thought that it’s 20k that we can put straight in savings (our lack of savings stresses me out). It would take a long time to save that otherwise, especially with the work that needs doing on the house.

How old are your children?

Original poster
ElevenBells · 24/05/2025 06:44

The package is tax free. I’m limited to what I can apply for because DH hours means that I do most of the school runs etc. Wrap round care is expensive and hard to come by in my area so although it’s fine for a couple of days a week I wouldn’t want to pay for 5 full days plus holiday clubs. No family to help out either.

I think I’m tempted at the thought that it’s 20k that we can put straight in savings (our lack of savings stresses me out). It would take a long time to save that otherwise, especially with the work that needs doing on the house.

OP posts:
sorrynotathome · 24/05/2025 06:39

It’s not a bad deal - I’m assuming you work part time so probably closer to a year’s wage? Tax free. I’d take it.

Radiatorvalves · 24/05/2025 06:37

All of the payment should be tax free so it’s equivalent to more than 6 months money. And while not generous it’s more than statutory redundancy which might be round the corner. I’d take it and look for a new job.

Changedforthetoday · 24/05/2025 06:36

Do it - poss be tax free depending on the terms of your redundancy plus when made redundant you can also claim contribution based job support (not a lot but something) so the money will last longer.
Make sure you are committed to applying for jobs and maybe even consider some temping etc. Whilst the job market may be a bit tough at the moment employers still need staff so are using short contract staff to fill gaps if scared about adding a permanent member of staff to the overheads.
I had a similar situation about 12 years ago and I took the money. Best thing I ever did and I’m now in a role I love and have been for over a decade. Wouldn’t have this job if I didn’t take the leap.
good luck.

Justbidedmytime · 24/05/2025 06:34

The job sounds awful though
but by the sounds of it your opportunities are limited (why though? A decade at a job and on a decent salary and yet you think limited to minimum wage?)

Dozer · 24/05/2025 06:34

It doesn’t sound like you can afford to do it, it’d be better IMO to stay and do what you can to increase your ability to compete for better paid jobs. If you’re selected for compulsory redundancy you could look then.

Badly paid jobs could be just as or more ‘toxic’.

Justbidedmytime · 24/05/2025 06:33

That is a pathetic redundancy package for a decade service and current salary £40k