to be really fucking fucked off??!!

[chucklingbunny]

I was made redundant in July, some weeks after announcing my pregnancy with DD due in October. I was the only one in the (small) firm to be made redundant and received nothing in writing, I still have nothing in writing I have been on garden leave over the summer and have asked and asked for a written agreement detailing how my SMP and severance will be paid and keep being fobbed off. I have discovered today that far from there being 'not enough work' the reason given for my redundancy, the firm has actually expanded by merging with another!!!! AIBU to feel like I've been dumped because I am pregnant?

It's probably the case, and it might actually be easy to prove if you were the only one, who coincidentally happened to also be pregnant. I'd fight it if you could, since they're not giving you the paperwork.

Hmm, I'm no expert but this doesn't sound legal. They NEED to put it all in writing. Also, if they are merging with another company and say for arguments sake that there was an overlap in positions, surplus of staff, etc, how can you be the only person being replaced...? Sounds a bit dodgy to me.

Are you in a union? They will be able to help

Phone ACAS

ring ACAS www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1461

Free employment advise.

you need some proper legal advice on this.

maybe try cab in first place?

sorry no capitals - one handed typing!

Not only the merger but just before I was given the boot, a (male) colleague working in the same job as me was promoted and another member of staff was taken on - not in the same job as me but still - not exactly cut backs is it?? I'm so angry!!

Like Knackered says - Phone ACAS.

I have done it twice and they are so helpful.

Citizens Advice - or an employment solicitor if you can afford one. Otherwise, I guess you could try a no win no fee, but either way some legal advice is definitely required.

In the meantime, keep regularly emailing them regularly (every 2 weeks probably) calmly asking them to put your situation in writing and explain how your SMP is to be sorted etc.

You then have a nice tidy amount of evidence that you have been trying to resolve this problem.

I assume they are at least paying you now?

I think you need to take some advice. It just doesn't sound like they would have a leg to stand on at an industrial tribunal. Put the pressure on, and they may be keen to settle out of court.

Not in a union and have already phoned ACAS. I just don't know if I can afford the time, money and energy to fight it!

I would:
-post in Employment Issues or redundancy or Legal with a specific thread title to attract MN lawyers and HR experts
-call ACAS (if not in a union) as they will advise on your rights and maybe help sort it out

• look on your home contents policy and see if you have cover for legal costs in employment matters. If so, and depending what ACAS say, call your insurance co legal helpline for advice and then see if they will get you a lawyer.

I have been paid on time but without the written agreement signed and sealed I just can't get organised as I want to.

OP - Ask for this thread to be moved to "Employment Issues".

There is a fantastic MNer called "Flowery" who clearly works in HR and/or management and offers good clear advice. She may not see the thread if you leave it in AIBU.

Seriously you do need to ask for clarification. Did you get any redundancy money? Was it tax free? Employment issues on here is a good place to start.

Let them know
If Perm or temp contract
How long you had been there
How possible redundancy discussed with you
What has been put in writing
What, if anything, have you been paid.

If there is even the slightest hint of being to do with your pregnancy they could well be in v hot water and will pay you off to stop it going any further.

Good luck

Not sure how to move thread?

Report your thread and ask for it to be moved to legal or employment. This doesn't sound like redundancy it sounds illegal. Many employment law firms operate no win no fee. Will PM you.

Check your house insurance policy-a lot of them offer legal cover for employment disputes, we had fantastic help from ours a couple of years ago

This sounds really dodgy OP, you need legal advice for sure. Maybe try CAB? And get the thread moved for advice.

OP - to move a thread click on the "Report" button and ask MNHQ to move it.

Good Luck