Anyone working in HR, would you mind advising me?

[Cliffedge25]

I believe that I am about to enter into a HR situation and I would really appreciate some advice and guidance on how to navigate it because I am very anxious about it plus completely clueless.

Employment almost 3.5 years with the company. I was new to the industry so learning the ropes.

99% good for me so far but around me, people leaving, I’ve witnessed people being managed out.
Very unstable, staff seemingly dispensable but so far, not affected me. Positive feedback, reviews excellent, work seemingly appreciated and very well received.
But there’s “odd” things culminating in a recent occurrence where I now feel the mood has shifted towards me.

So can I have your top tips to protect myself.
I accept that if they have decided I’m gone then I am gone, that’s it but until that point, what should I be doing?

Im looking for a new job frantically now, no hope if I’m honest.
Thank you for your help, I’m so worried.

How awful op it sounds like a strange place hopefully someone along to help soon

I would join a union - you're in a great position to do so since nothing has happened to you yet.

Then I would have this conversation with a union rep.

TUC has a union finder which shows which are most suitable for different industries

https://www.tuc.org.uk/join-a-union

If they've got to the stage where they want you gone I don't think there's much you can do, the die has been cast.

If they ask to have a protected conversation with you this will be your opportunity to negotiate the best package for leaving- i.e 6 months salary, pension contributions and any other employee benefits you get.

If you refuse, you'll probably end up on a Performance Improvement Plan which will be incredibly stressful and you'll fail at the end (they always find a way), then you'll be going with just your statutory notice period.

Sorry you are in this position.

Start a factual concise record of occurrences so you can cover your back. Try not to shine too much… it gets the dogs after you.

Yep this.
There is zero point with unions. Zero.

I believe they offer 1 week for every year worked so it’s not going to be 6 months, it will be 3 weeks pay.

Also thank you for your very kind snd helpful reply.

SO true!
My gut instinct is to retreat into the background, keep working hard, keep delivering but quietly.
And just await my fait as it’s coming.

If they were going to put you on a PIP then they'd have to employ you for another few month's at least.

Use this as a negotiating tool. Tell them if they give you 8 weeks pay you'll leave immediately, otherwise you don't accept their offer (if they make you one).

The ball is then in their court to start a PIP which honestly is a pain in the arse for everyone concerned, particularly as if you are dismissed as a result you could raise a grievance if they've not done everything to the letter of the law.

Thank you .

Frustratingly they are very well practiced at this. I’ve seen it a lot!
I have no power here at all. BUT i do have time to anticipate and prepare.
Just had a chat session with ChatGtb who was not only sympathetic but also very informative! 😃

You will probably have contractual notice of at least one month/ 4 weeks - check your contract. If you had been employed for >4 years then that is usually when 1 week per year of employment (statutory) kicks in. You have been employed over 2 years so have employment rights. Potentially you could take them to tribunal for unfair/ constructive dismissal - so keep that in your back pocket for negotiation if you do get to that point. Don’t sign away your employment rights without making sure it is worth your while. And don’t make it easy for them - if things start to move in that direction, ask for a referral to Occ Health and mention work related stress. Go off sick and exhaust any sick pay entitlement. Good luck and I hope it works out ok.