Hi,
I think I'm relatively clued up on the legislation in this area, but want to double check, and also get some advice on what I should do next.
I am on ML, and my department has been restructured, such that my role no longer exists. Communication has all been above board. Two roles have been created at my level, half of my old job goes into one, the other half into the other. The job that is the closest to mine has been given to a colleague (who was also on mat leave). I put the other as my first preference in consultation, but because there are responsibilities I haven't done before, was told they wanted to advertise it internally and externally, and that I was welcome to apply. When I asked directly, they said they had not formally evaluated my suitability for the role at this point.
I thought at this point they were deviating from correct process - i.e. they should have assessed my suitability one way or another before advertising - but didn't push it as the most likely outcome would have been them saying I was unsuitable. So I went along with it, and met the recruitment consultant for an interview.
I have now been shortlisted along with one external candidate, and am expected to attend a further (competitive) interview - and maybe even one after that as well.
Ideally I would be given the job - but I only want it if they want to give it to me IYKWIM. I would rather take redundancy than force them into giving me the job if they don't have confidence in me.
So my questions are - do you think being shortlisted constitutes an acceptance of my 'suitability' (i.e. it should be offered to me under reg 10), and also, do you think I should take any action before or at the interview? Really not sure how to play it.
TIA