Work is bad

[HollywoodStarr]

Posting for traffic about work situation.

I have recently gone through a team restructure. My band disappeared from the proposal and I had to apply for what was left over once everyone else had been matched.

I’ll try and give as much detail as I can.

Those at risk of redundancy were advised to apply for as many roles as possible to keep options open. We were then told that the upcoming meeting would be an informal discussion to ascertain what role we’d be best suited to. I asked for a more detailed format of the meeting and was told there was nothing really to prepare. The meeting took place and within five minutes it was clear it was a competency based interview with a panel of four senior staff. Fifty minutes of question after question. Ambushed. I performed poorly and unsurprisingly don’t get the promotion I was hoping for. Neither did a get a side step role or a role a band below. Instead I was demoted two bands with a salary reduction of £16500. Redundancy was offered but it did not amount to enough to allow me time to look for another job.

This is really the most succinct explanation of the story. I’ve tried to give the facts which are relevant without giving any identification away. I’m now in a team being line managed by people I used to line manage. I’ve gone from leadership to admin. My confidence and self esteem is absolutely crushed. Unions have been useless.

Any advice?

As long as they treated everyone facing redundancy the same way, they probably haven't done anything wrong legally.

As someone who has been made redundant in similar circumstances, I understand how much it hurts and how unfair it seems, but working for an organisation that wants you gone is not going to be good for your long-term career or your wellbeing.

Your best course of action is to suggest you will leave quietly if they give you redundancy pay and an agreed reference (and maximum paid notice).

i do agree. I don’t think I was treated fairly and there are more details but they would put me! I need a job though. I really cannot be out of work for more than 4-6 weeks

Were the comms you had from them different to that which were shared with the others that went through the process? If, for example, everyone else had a formal communication stating it was a formal interview or if they were advised on specific areas to prep, you'd have a case. But, if everyone equally expected a chat, then you have to accept that you just didn't perform very well and move on.

use any and all methods to get back to being boss ?

There were only four of us in the position of possible redundancy. Everyone else kept their job or at least a very similar job due to being matched. My position was taken out of the new restructuring as well as three other colleagues. The other three colleagues took redundancy - one has not mortgage and near retirement, another I think partner is bread winner and the third is mid 50 and no kids.

Actually one of those did go for a job in the new plan, didn’t get it and decided to take redundancy. That person also expected it to be informal. The ones who took redundancy had longer service than me, not loads but enough. So it was only me and one other who had to go through the process of applying for what was left and having a meeting about it.

So if the only other one that went through the process also although thought it was informal, the message is consistent. So definitely no discrimination. I don't think you've got a leg to stand on really. They said it was a meeting to work out which role you are best suited to so of course it was going to be some form of interview. Time to get your CV together and look for another job.