To apply for voluntary severance when I'm leaving anyway?

[crizpz]

I was offered a new job, and the timing of the offer and start date neatly aligned with an opportunity to apply for voluntary severance. The voluntary severance terms say anyone who has already resigned, or who resigns before the VS process is complete, is not eligible, but this isn't a problem for me because I don't need to resign.

I've mentioned this to a couple of friends outside of work and it has met with slightly furrowed brows, as if they're not sure it's the right thing to do, but I didn't probe. Am I missing any pitfalls? Is it morally wrong to take the severance pay when I have a new job seamlessly lined up?

It’s great timing-anyone who’s annoyed is maybe a bit envious. I suppose it’s morally questionable, but I’d do it.

I'd do it
Sounds like you're not breaking any rules

As long as the new job is with a different company, the timings work well and there’s nothing written into your contract re: redundancy saying you can’t - and I doubt there will be - I’d go for it.

there is nothing wrong here. quite the opposite. Very good move! It's a situation where many would try to line up a new job in order to bag the pay and have continuous employment.

Is the severance pay good and your friends are jealous? Maybe discuss money less with your 'friends'.

Morally, there is nothing wrong with accepting severance pay offered by your employer. Where do you get that idea from???

Do it!

Is it certain that you'll be accepted for voluntary severance? I've known people who have applied for this when it has opened up to the whole company, only to be told that they won't be selected for it. Could that put you in a difficult position with your new job if you hadn't given in your notice? Or if they changed the timescales?

There is nothing morally wrong with this at all - sometimes the stars align. But be aware that your employer isn't obliged to accept your application. In which case you will need to resign anyway and this could have an impact on the start date for your new role, depending on how long it takes your employer to get to the stage of making you an offer or rejecting your application.

That's what I was trying to say, only articulated much more clearly!

I’d totally do it - my current company/job is a bit rubbish but I’m struggling to find another role. I spend quite a lot of time day dreaming that this will happen to me 😂

Oh that's kind of you! I had to edit because I misspelt a word, so maybe not as articulate after all! But I totally agree - there is a risk involved.

I don’t get what you mean when you say you don’t need to resign. Surely you do at some point in order to leave?!

If you can make the dates and processes work as per @Arlanymor above, nothing wrong with it at all.

I think she might have meant that she hasn't resigned yet? But agree I was confused with that line initially!

Definitely fine! I'd keep it quiet though as had this at a previous place of work and the person had redundancy rescinded when it was realised they had another job lined up.

Yes, if she means she doesn’t need to resign yet 🤔

I've got a contingency plan for this situation, so it's relatively low risk.

I think it depends - are we talking NHS or a private company. If it's the NHS then i can understand why you're getting furrowed brows. I can also understand why you'd want to do it.

In that case, go for it!

Could there be an issue about it not applying if you find equitable work in x amount of time?

If not, go it. Your employer wouldnt hesitate if they thought they could get money out of you.

I assume I won't need to resign at all because I'll be "severed" instead.

They've been clear about the timing for the severance.

Go for it - they’d happily make you compulsorily redundant if they wanted.

Absolutely do what is best for you. They are paying you to be one less on their payroll. That is what will happen. What you then do or do not do to be employed by another organisation is your decisions.
But I think it is another example of never discussing anything to do with money or finances with anybody other than those directly impacted. That's you and any impacted partner or family. Nobody else.

I would take it.

I worked somewhere were they were doing voluntary severance. Didn’t have enough uptake so they moved onto a forced redundancy. One person then resigned after 2 more lost their jobs! You could be saving someone from a really bad time!

You have been lucky with timing! Take it

Yes it a good opportunity, why not?!

Is this with the nhs? If so, you'll need to confirm that you haven't had a job offer by the time you applied.

In your case, it sounds that you'd be lying. It's likely you would have to repay all the money if they find out and in all likelihood, they will.

Resigning ithisese circumstances don't be you handing your notice, it means just you leaving.

No, not the NHS, and our terms are not as restrictive as that thank goodness.