Nightmare come true - Redundancy

[NIghtmareComeTrue]

Well unbelievably after a series of unfortunate life events it looks like I will be made redundant later this week.

The situation is this ....

• Been at the company approx 18 months
• On three months notice
• Job would go because they will cease to market a service that is part of my job or possibly just sell it from another country rather than here in the UK
• I was off sick for around three weeks up to Jan 1 as a result of a bereavement and a DC crisis (won't have helped!)

Apart from wait to hear what they have to say / offer do you have any thoughts on what money they would need to give me and anything I can do to improve any settlement?

I'm afraid I don't think you qualify for a redundancy payment as you havene't been there for 2 years. Once you've reached the qualifying period of 2 years you are entitled to 1 week's pay (upto a maximum £380, rising to £400 from 1st Feb) for every year you've worked there or 1 and a half weeks pay (ie up to £600) if you are over 40. Of course the firm yu're working for may have its own enhanced redundancy payments.

I think they should give you 3 months pay if they want you to leave immediately, otherwise you will have to work your 3 months notice period.

Redundancy is a bummer.

Thanks Crystal

Would they have to put me into consultation do you know or could they get me out on the same day?

I don't know. Im only going on what my experience of being made redundant. Why don't you post this in the employment section? Maybe other mnetters are more qualified to give advice. I believe that they have to give you 3 months notice if it's written into your contract or otherwise give you 3 months pay in lieu of notice. If you don't get any other advice i would try and hold out for that and if they say no, ask why not.

Do you belong to a union who could help you?If you want to stay on in the company you could ask if there are any other vacancies and ask to be redeployed into one of them - say you are willing to undergo training if necessary.

I'm really sorry because it really isn't a very nice position and I know how powerless it makes one feel

Crystal is right that you have no right to redundancy pay as you have worked there for less than two years. Your employer may choose to pay you anyway as a way of reducing the likelihood of you launching a claim for unfair dismissal, but that is entirely up to your employer.

The good news is that you are on 3 months notice. They will either have to give you 3 months notice or 3 months pay in lieu of notice.

Your employer must consult with you before making you redundant. If they don't your redundancy may be unfair dismissal. The consultation involves talking to you about why you have been selected and looking at any alternatives.

Not sure if it will help, but I was made redundant last year from a private sector company; I worked for them for a similar time to you and walked away with about £3500?