Sidelined at work

[wedlocked]

Would appreciate some advice:

I have worked for the same company for 19 years (in several roles and getting promoted each time role changed).

2 years ago I was offered a new job (substantial promotion) to run a whole new service. I accepted and since then everything has failed to materialise:

company (public service) has lost money so can no longer afford new service, building project for new accommodation put on hold, staff dwindling (natural wastage).

I have little managerial work to do, but a lot of lower grade work (due to loss of staff). I am frustrated, miserable and unfulfilled.

Do I have grounds for constructive dismissal? I would never have taken the job if I had known this would be the result.

Hi wedlocked
Sorry not much advice, there are other threads on here that say constructive dismissal is really hard to prove. I think they have to do worse things to you than not give you a promised opportunity, especially when that opportunity no longer exists, such as bullying etc.
Did you accept the new role in writing? Was there a pay rise with the promotion, did that and your new title happen?
On this board I am usually amazed at how badly some companies treat their staff, but it does sound that in this case it is to some extent out of their control, the new service just isn't going to happen because of the current difficult times. It's not as though they offered it you and then gave it to someone else.
But, I can appreciate how fed up you must be. Hopefully an expert will be along soon.
I know this sounds a bit out there, but is there anything you could do to help the new service happen? Are there any grants available or similar? Or is there another body that is already providing this service, where you could look for opportunities?

No, I'd say you've not got any grounds for constructive dismissal.

For that you'd have to prove they tried to force you to quit. Not having any money and canning the project doesn't cut the mustard I'm afraid.

Look for another job.

Hi Wedlocked

I have no idea if this would form constructive dismissal but would say not. Just an unfortunate consequence of the recession. I also work in the Public Sector and things are looking pretty dire at the moment. Money is being cut and pulled from everywhere. I agree with Marchpane, if you are miserable and unfulfilled then it may be time to move on. I don't think the siuation (financially) is going to improve anytime soon.

No grounds for constructive that I can see - they are simply responding to financial situation. In fact they are probably thinking they are being very good to you, because they could possibly make you redundant and recruit a cheaper person to do the lower grade work, arguing that the managerial role no longer exists, but they are keeping you on regardless - thanks in part to your loyalty and competence no doubt.

If you are really miserable, why not look for something else and see if you can negotiate a redundancy from them which helps them out financially in the long term and leaves you both happy with situation?