Very likely to be made redundant.. help me see the positive

[Suddenlyredundantprobably]

Just coming to the end of maternity leave (2 DC under 3).

My return to work all lined up: reduced hours, DH compressing his hours, and nursery arranged. Due to return In the Autumn.

Just found out massive job cuts coming to my department.

I’m going to be on the block aren’t I. Recent mat leave plus a couple of months AL straight after mat leave. Not full time. I’d say my chances are bleak.

How on earth am I going to find a part time role to fit in with all the well made plans

very few part time roles ever available in this industry, basically none at my level. Application for this post mat leave was my only chance at it, I was super chuffed they had approved it no question. Now that opportunity has gone (or it will have if I’m cut)

sad that I all likelihood I’ll end up heading back full time and the DC will be in nursery more than the 3 days per week planned. My youngest has missed so much already with being born mid covid year- she’s not ready for a 5 day nursery week

I can’t afford to take an evening and weekend job, I have to contribute a good amount to the family pot, we’ve always been fairly equal on that (now pro rata of course).

I just feel so sad and defeated, after working so hard to make it all ‘work’

Anyone have any success stories/advice?

Firstly, cross the bridge when you come to it. You don't know you'll be made redundant. They won't want to look like they're targeting you because of maternity leave so you've probably got a better chance of keeping your job.

Secondly, how much redundancy pay will you get?

Thank you.

Yes I think at least in part I am trying to make myself expect the worst to be prepared, but perhaps that’s not the way forward right now. I feel sick with worry already so maybe a bit of positivity is what I need.

I’m not sure re pay, I’ve been there less than 10 years, so if Stat. only, not a great deal (when considering our outgoings). Perhaps they enhance, I’m not sure.

I understand this is worrying, but there's nothing you can do but wait and see. Hopefully you'll be safe, but there's no way of knowing right now. Try and stay calm.

Join a Union, get advice now - they cannot Maternity leave against you.

Start looking for other work now.

Know your rights, and ask for more (double what you want and then negotiate).

Build up LinkedIn etc.

Have demonstratable examples of why you are asset for when you fight for your role.

Remember it will be you vs your colleagues so do not discuss with anyone internally.

Redundancy was the best thing that happened to me.

Oh, and get a copy of the redundancy policy now from wherever it is. Ours went missing a month before we were told and those who had worked more than two years were only offered two weeks pay (illegal).

And join pregnant and screwed.

It’s upsetting, i agree. But don’t catastrophize. If you are made redundant, you will get at least a little bit of stat redundancy pay. And regarding new roles, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. You might be able to persuade an employer to let you do flexi (eg 5 days’ hours in 4 days). Or you might be able to ask for part time once you have got yourself established.

And if not: your child will be FINE. My dd went full time at nursery somewhat older than yours but still, it was just fine. She loved it there, and insisted when I had ds2 he had to go there too.

Thank you all. I have calmed a little today and you are all right. I can be prepared but should not think the worst case. Will also be prepared for re interviewing for my role etc and read up on my position re mat leave.

And yes, you make an excellent point re nursery.. they would be fine. I might not for a while, but they would :)

Thank you for your kind words

Its a horrible feeling; I was in the same place this time last year (apart from the mat leave and small people). I'd a horrible feeling it was on the cards even before the formal announcements were made and spent two months of could have been an almost pleasant furlough feeling sick and worried. Old enough that getting another job wouldnt be easy but not old enough to look at retirement.

Fortunate in that it didnt happen but still in the shittiest of environments.