Redundancy - Accept the inevitable?

[SadlyEndingSoon]

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?

Then just hold and op and see what happens. You never know. Saves the what ifs and if you struggle to get another job cursing yourself.

My company made redundancies but not voluntary so we had to apply for roles. Mine went from 3 team managers to 1. I desperately wanted to leave but length of service and experience meant i trumpedmy other colleagues.
The job has been truly shit and now 15 months later ive secured a new job.
Id be very tempted to take the money and run!

Thank you everyone. I am excited for a change but scared at the same time.

I imagine that you won't be on the chopping block as you're expensive. Surely if it's cost cutting they'll be going for people who've been there less time so cheaper?

I understand how you feel, ive done 20 years witn current employer but have now seen the changrs and the future and im now ok with leaving it behind.

@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.

Say I disagree

I have been involved behind the scenes in 3 redundancy rounds

It’s often VERY much hoped that it will get rid of dead wood

Sorry I disagree that should say

I would of thought if company making people redundant it's down to them to have a fair and above board selection process . Any redundancy can be challenged and they have to show there selection criteria

@whosaidtha

I imagine that you won't be on the chopping block as you're expensive. Surely if it's cost cutting they'll be going for people who've been there less time so cheaper?

This. Whether they admit it or not, you cost a lot more to make redundant than someone who's only been there for a couple of years. If it has no impact on the amount you'll get, in your shoes I'd probably apply to stay whilst also starting to look at other jobs incase you're not selected.

I'd take the money and make a break for it. You'll definitely find something in a year. Depending on your financial situation a year's salary might not mean much but if it does then take it; think more holistically about your life than just specifically about the job.

@whosaidtha

I imagine that you won't be on the chopping block as you're expensive. Surely if it's cost cutting they'll be going for people who've been there less time so cheaper?

No not in a business making long term plans.

The more expensive the employee salary which can be replaced by an entry level salary the higher the salary savings

If you are paid 60k and are replaced by a 30k employee.
Even with a redundancy payment of 1 year 60k employer saves 30k each year.

So the maths (old employee 60k pa + redundancy 60k 1off payment+ replacement employee 30k )

Keep employee
Y1(60+00+00)
Y2(60+00+00)
Y3(60+00+00)
180k

Redundancy and replace
Y1(00+60+30)
Y2(00+00+30) breakeven
Y3(00+00+30) save 30k
=150k

So the ideal is to only keep the minimum number of high salary staff who have vital knowledge or skill. And race to the bottom of the salary pool for everyone else.

SadlyEndingSoon
If you opt for redundancy see if the company will fund re-skilling training even having someone come in and help with a CV and interview skills. You have skills. You just may not recognise them as you use them everyday.

Letting go the old job and walking away without feeling anger or upset is important when looking for a new job. So getting over the shock and being able to present it as a positive to potential employers when asked about it is an interview technique you can learn.

@rwalker

I would of thought if company making people redundant it's down to them to have a fair and above board selection process . Any redundancy can be challenged and they have to show there selection criteria

You select the people you want to keep. Select the people you want rid of. Find the unique selling points they have.

Design the selection criteria with multiple points in addition to the unique point. Remember redundancy is the removal of roles not employees.

First new role is 2 prior roles merged into a new one but with some tasks removed and new ones added.

By coincident this just happens to exclude employees X,Y & Z for having too much experience in ABC and none in D.

If you have a good design with multiple Keepers, they fit the criteria and the Keepers out vote the objectors in consultations. The company get the desired outcome, and some of the Keepers still end up with redundancy.

I think most of my team / friends would be seen as the deadwood too. School mum's, part time, many years service. It's quite a young work environment in general. Thanks for all your support, will keep you posted. 🥰

This is great advice: Letting go the old job and walking away without feeling anger or upset is important when looking for a new job. So getting over the shock and being able to present it as a positive to potential employers when asked about it is an interview technique you can learn.

Definitely need to get into this headspace.

The thing is that the redundancy thing is that it even gives the ones they want to keep the jitters.

So they go out there with their bright eyes and shiny hair, bag themselves a new job a higher salary leaving their older, less glamorous colleagues the roles they rejected.

It happened to me 2 years ago immediately prior to lockdown. I was very glad to have a job in those circumstances, even though I would have had 2 years' pay. as redundancy. My guess is I wouldn't have worked again (mid 50s). I have also now gained lots of experience and new skills in that time.

Don't be seduced by redundancy. It's difficult to get a job as an older worker. If you want to leave your job, do it on your own terms and with something better to go to.

Yes. Many of the mum's on the team feel as older workers they will be unable to get anything else. You are right, is the grass always greener. Food for thought!

@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.

This.

I took voluntary redundancy in my late 40's after 30 years for the same company. Took 6 months off and took another job that I loved, but not really sure about the people, was made redundant at the start of covid and worked temp roles for a year. Now in my mid 50's I have been in my new permanent role for 8 months for a company who value me and are lovely to work for.

I have not regretted a moment of it. It has most certainly had it's ups and downs, but I have met some great people and done some great jobs. Found my self worth and know that I am great at what I do.

Yes. 20 people doing 40 jobs. 🤯

Great to read the positive stories on here! Thank you for taking the time to write them!

I was made redundant at the beginning of this year after 19 years with the same company. It was really daunting at first but I found a job pretty easily (actually requested to leave a month early as the new company wanted me to start asap). It was the best thing that ever happened for us financially. We finally have some decent savings in the bank. My new salary is slightly more than my old one and I’m feeling a lot more valued and challenged in my new role. I now no longer feel tied to the company or job which means if something isn’t working for me I can speak up and confidently say, if this doesn’t change I can move on. Really changes your mind set.

Thank you!