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Original poster

Redundancy - Accept the inevitable?

47 replies

SadlyEndingSoon · 20/11/2021 22:30

40 roles going down to 20.

I have been there 20 years. Pay out would be about a years wages.

Not sure what to do for the best, I don't think I will be selected to stay so was thinking about opting for redundancy as my preference but then feel that I will always wonder 'what if' having not fought for my role? Need to supply evidence and paperwork on Monday to support my case.

Any suggestions?

OP posts:
PepeSilviaDoesNotExist · 20/11/2021 22:35

Depends. Could you find another job you’d like as much within the year? If yes then redundancy means you’d get a chunk of money and still have a job you like.

If you don’t think you’ll get another job then is it worth not fighting to stay?

Original poster
SadlyEndingSoon · 20/11/2021 22:41

I don't even know if I like the role, it's the only job I have everything done. Fits in well with childcare responsibilities, great group of work friends.

OP posts:
mellicauli · 20/11/2021 23:12

I think loyalty to the company and the experience of having done the job for 20 years must count for something? It sounds like you would be quite happy to continue, so apply. If you don't apply, how will they know that you want to keep your job?

I'd also be applying for other jobs. You'll learn quite quickly whether your skills are marketable and if you are being paid the market rate.

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Ylvamoon · 20/11/2021 23:18

What are the new positions? If they are similar to your current role, go for it! If it is a lower grade, they probably don't want to keep you.

Also, is the "voluntary" redundecy package different to the mandatory package?
On the bright side, you have nothing to loose, so go for it.

Pepperama · 20/11/2021 23:25

If you’re sure you’re on the exit list and the voluntary package is more generous than the mandatory one, I’d leave. If it’s a genuine question of please applying so they know who is keen to stay on and in the case it doesn’t work out you still get the same deal, then there’s nothing to lose by trying to keep the job. Sorry you’re in that situation

coodawoodashooda · 21/11/2021 05:51

@mellicauli

I think loyalty to the company and the experience of having done the job for 20 years must count for something? It sounds like you would be quite happy to continue, so apply. If you don't apply, how will they know that you want to keep your job?

I'd also be applying for other jobs. You'll learn quite quickly whether your skills are marketable and if you are being paid the market rate.

I think that is good advice.
confusedlots · 21/11/2021 08:18

I would definitely consider the payout of a years wages. Even if it takes you 6 months to find something else that's a nice amount to add to your savings.

I got made redundant after 10 years in my job and DH recently got made redundant after 15 years in his job. Although it was really unsettling when it happened, it's been quite refreshing to take on new roles and meet new people after such a long time in our previous jobs.

underneaththeash · 21/11/2021 08:20

Will 20 people be doing 40 people's jobs? If so, take the redundancy. Is the company having major financial problems? Again - take the redundancy before they fold and you're left with nothing.

If it's just the case of part of the company is re-structuring due to improved processes or a reduction in demand for your area only (and the rest of the company is financially secure) - then re-apply.

dontputitinyourmouth · 21/11/2021 08:50

I was made redundant earlier this year after 16 years in the same place. I’d stayed there that long for similar reasons to you. It was familiar and because of the amount of time I’d been there I was given a certain level of flexibility that meant I could work around the children, all in all it was just comfortable but no longer challenging.

I got a new job straight away after panicking initially and it’s the best thing that could have happened. We’ve worked out the childcare aspect and I feel more challenged in my new role. I am recognised now for the work I put in rather than it just being expected and am now being offered further opportunities and training.

I would say look at the roles that are out there and go for the redundancy. Even if you had a couple of months off then found something, you would still have a good chunk of cash left.

Good luck, it’s scary after so long.

HalfShrunkMoreToGo · 21/11/2021 08:54

Have you looked to see if there are other positions available in the company you work for outside your team? Obviously only worth doing if you want to stay with the company but could be worth looking at.

Iamnotamermaid · 21/11/2021 08:56

Take redundancy. Same thing happened to me after 22 years. Upskill if you need to and move onto a new job for a fresh start. I am also a believer that your job/role will only develop and grow if the company you work for is also growing, expanding and investing.

Cut your losses, take a years salary and be brave. Tough when it happens but it does get better.

Rosemaryandlemon · 21/11/2021 08:57

Do you want to stay? If yes, don’t take voluntary redundancy.

If you think “it might be time for a change”. I’d be going in and seeing if you can negotiate a bit more to leave.

In any event refresh the cv, get on LinkedIn start looking at other jobs

ToastofLandon · 21/11/2021 09:03

I went through redundancy earlier this year in April, 6 roles went down to 4. I agonised over the decision whether to opt for it voluntarily but decided to go through the motions - a decision I came to regret when I was selected for redundancy anyway which really was awful. My mental health really suffered and I wish I could turn back the clock. Fortunately have turned the corner now and landed a fantastic new job better than my old one with even more flexibility. If I was in your shoes I would opt for voluntary redundancy, leave on your own terms. The job market is really good at the moment and you won’t be without a job for long.

PolaDeVeboise · 21/11/2021 09:13

Take the redundancy - it will give you a new lease of life to start afresh - I can highly recommend it.

I had worked for the same company for the almost 20 years when I was made redundant. I knew it was coming, as I was involved in the changes to working practices that made it necessary, and wasn't happy, but hung in there till they decided to give me the chop and got the £.

I now have a job I love, in a company that values me, and doesn't just treat me like a number. Looking back, I was highly institutionalised and now see how toxic the whole environment was.

Finally, on the question of flexibility, that is pretty much standard now, in order to get the best people. Good luck!

Daisy829 · 21/11/2021 09:16

I got made redundant after 18years. Best thing that ever happened to me. I now work for myself and I love my job, love being my own boss & I’m around for my own children more. Good luck op.

MrsFin · 21/11/2021 09:29

@SadlyEndingSoon

I don't even know if I like the role, it's the only job I have everything done. Fits in well with childcare responsibilities, great group of work friends.

If they are reducing from 40 to 20 both the friends and the friendly hours might go too. And your workload may well change.
Do you want to be one of the ones left behind to pick up the pieces of a restructure?

SequinnedShawl · 21/11/2021 09:39

I was made voluntarily redundant after 20 years, took the payout and walked into another job straight away. Was there 6 years and made redundant again.

I now work for myself. I started winding down a lot as I don't want to work as hard anymore but it brings in enough money for me. View it as a new start for you.

Good luck, whatever you do.

Original poster
SadlyEndingSoon · 21/11/2021 10:42

Thank you for all the replies. Yes, 20 people doing 40 people's work. 😑 In seperate teams at the moment but merging to create one huge team. The workload will be huge and I think they will need to backfill at a later date. Lots of food for thought, thank you all!

OP posts:
tanstaafl · 21/11/2021 10:54

@underneaththeash

Will 20 people be doing 40 people's jobs? If so, take the redundancy. Is the company having major financial problems? Again - take the redundancy before they fold and you're left with nothing.

If it's just the case of part of the company is re-structuring due to improved processes or a reduction in demand for your area only (and the rest of the company is financially secure) - then re-apply.

Sound advice.

Also, first £30k of redundancy is tax free in UK.

Mouseonmychair · 21/11/2021 11:02

If your confident In getting a new job take the redundancy. I did and had a job to go to next working day after end date with employer had been agreed. The first 20 k is tax free so quite advantageous.

Mouseonmychair · 21/11/2021 11:03

Sorry 30k

Bluntness100 · 21/11/2021 11:05

Is there a difference between payout if you volunteer? If not just make a case to stay and see what happens. If so and you’re fairly sure you’d be out then volunteer.

Original poster
SadlyEndingSoon · 21/11/2021 11:21

No difference in the amount if I volunteer. Just thinking it saves the heartache and waiting!

OP posts:
MintJulia · 21/11/2021 11:24

Well, there are plenty of opportunities around at the moment. It may be time for a change.

Better than leaving it until the co goes under, when the employment market is less active. Also it's a chance to re-evaluate, think about what you wouu you led really like to do.

MintJulia · 21/11/2021 11:25

...would really like to do.