Or is my employer? [Redundancy]

[SpangledBoots]

I posted a couple of weeks ago about an internal interview advice. I got my response yesterday and it was a no to the role but an offer of a more junior role. I'm currently waiting for the details of this role and have a meeting on Monday to discuss.

The background here is:

• my current team's roles are being removed - as of 20th June I will be in a compulsory redundancy scenario, leaving in 3 months with a payout worth 3 month's salary.

• my performance record at the organisation is excellent and they therefore want to redeploy me within the department. I've been acting unofficially in a role like the one I interviewed for for 6-8 months.

• the role offer is a promotion on paper rather than financially, it would be a step back in my current level of responsibility and the individual who was promoted will go on maternity leave in September so I'll be expected to hold on to my current projects whilst she continues to work on the low priority/responsibility work.

AIBU to reject this offer, take redundancy and move on? Or is my employer BU for trying to keep me performing at a higher level whilst not paying me accordingly?

I don't have any dependants and a decent amount in savings. I feel if I stay I'd be looking to leave ASAP anyway and would lose out on the cash.

I sense they are taking the piss-

Can you get them to agree to a non consolidated rise whilst covering the higher level work?

The reason for offering the role I went for to the other colleague was that she did a better interview.

The hiring manager hasn't said anything specific about a deputising or secondment salary but our company policies mean I wouldn't have access to the additional financial benefits like bonus, pension and car allowance so even if I got a cover allowance, it wouldn't be equivalent. That being said, I'd be happy to stay on that basic salary and have a new job lined up before she returns from maternity leave in October/November next year.

I just can't quite get past the way this is playing out and deep down I really don't enjoy working for this organisation. I've not truly enjoyed the three years I've spent here. I do still need to pay the bills though!

I had to interview two people in the redeployment pool for a job. One did far better than the other in interview. I was instructed by HR I had to give it to the other as she was pregnant. As long as she was employable she took priority.

Go for the redundancy- the alternative is going to eat away at your self esteem. Leave on a high and good luck op

@HappilyHarridan I would think that being offered a demotion, whilst still being expected to work at the same level, is a breach of contract. Although I didn't say it was a breach of contract, because I don't know for sure, I just suggested it could be, based on my own experience.

But like I also said, it's always advisable to ask someone in the legal profession, as they can advise on the redundancy package too. Worked for my friend recently, who came out with a better deal after taking legal advice

Ask for temporary uplift in salary if they are planning you covering maternity leave

Interesting update today...they don't have a role profile to show me, despite it being an existing role. What's going on?!

I've had a chat with a few recruiters and whilst I'm confident I could secure a role at a similar or better salary, the benefits package where I am is really good so I might have to accept a lower overall package value. Much to consider.

The OP hasn’t mentioned being pregnant. confused
And anyway it’s irrelevant.

If it’s not a “suitable alternative” then I think you are entitled to a 4 week trial period. If it’s not for you, then you can end it and still remain eligible for redundancy- def worth a call to Acas. Or check their website, they used to have some good handouts on there.