negotiating better redundancy package

[mummy2myhoney]

I am being made redundant together with others (a small team). I have been to my second consultation and ask about the redundancy package and have been told this will be statutory. I am disappointed as I have been with the company for nearly 7 years now. I have been previously made redundant in the same sector (finance) and have been paid a month salary for every year worked. I know they have no obligation but would like to negotiate, Have nothing to loose. Not sure how to approach them. Does anyone knows? thanks

have they actually got any money, maybe they cannot pay you what they do not have

Well it's not really a negotiation is it? You don't have anything to offer them in return for a higher package I presume, so it's basically an appeal to their better nature asking if there's a bit more in the kitty.

I suppose you are right Flowery. do you think I should try though? this is a financial institution and yes they do have money and I am sure that people that they have made redundant previously got good deals as they disapeared immidiatelly without saying a word. I have heard about negotiating as one of the girls previously made redundand said they DID gave have a good deal and she could have negotiated more but lost touch with her and cannot ask. what do you think.thanks

do you think I should try though?

What do you have to lose, really?

sleepyinseattle! but not sure what to start with. any ideas?

You should enter consultation stating that you are firmly of the view that..

a precedent has already been set by the company with regard to the compensation element of redundancy packages, and, as such, it would be a breach of the implied terms of your employment contract for them to now start offering less than is the norm for the firm

Use those exact terms - precedent, breach, implied terms.

Legally 'tis a very very woolly area as to whether they have to pay what they paid previously (depends on numbers, situation, how recently they paid higher amounts and how often), but those are the words that will wake them up and make them think a bit. If it were me I'd play quite hardball on this one in negotiation

many thanks all. Gosh will have to get all my courageto be a bit of a hardball :o and not go soft but really want to give it a go, nothing to loose as yous said. i have worked in a senior position and done lots of things for them over the years, done training and supervising new people, getting external sources. All my appraisal were very good. Can I bring it up too?

Personally I would advise against saying what Squiffy suggested unless you actually have at least some evidence to suggest there might be a precedent. It sounds very confrontational and if there is no such evidence it's more likely to get their backs up than make them inclined to dole out extra cash when they don't have to.

Your opinion that people who disappeared quickly might have got good deals and something one woman made redundant previously said really aren't enough to constitute any such evidence.

I would personally be inclined to mention your experience of redundancy packages elsewhere in the sector, coupled with your excellent record and all you've done etc etc and ask if they would consider recognising your commitment, loyalty and service by increasing your package.

What flowery said. Unless you know where the bodies are buried or you've been discriminated against in some way it's going to be difficult to get more. Employment contracts are individual so what they give one person does not constitute an implied term for someone else.

No harm in asking and no harm in networking like mad to get lots of personal references too.

Good morning all :). I love ' would consider recognising your commitment, loyalty and service by increasing your package'. Many thanks for that. Also they have told me that it would be statutory but have not given me the exact figures. I have my final consultation next week. Should I wait till consultation and speak to them then or request a meeting to discuss it earlier? please advise.

I don't think you need an extra meeting really, I think this could be something brought up at your consultation meeting.

But this will my last meeting and they might say this is final decision?

I don't think a few days will affect their decision about something like that, but if you're concerned ask for a specific meeting sooner.

thanks flowery. Is there anything else I should say or add. How shall I put it about the redundancy packages in other companies?

you're great, Flowery.

Check the terms and conditions of your employment contract to see if there is anything in there re redundancy.

Also, if you look at the directgov website, this says that you should also be paid in lieu of notice.

I think you're on a sticky wicket negotiating - you have no negotiating power.

"Also, if you look at the directgov website, this says that you should also be paid in lieu of notice."

Only if you don't work the notice. If they ask you to work it you get paid as normal.

I have looked all the things up, yes they do have to pay me 6 weeks notice period and do not know if they ask me to work it. You are right I have no negotiating power but will give it a go and go with what flowry ''ask if they would consider recognising your commitment, loyalty and service by increasing your package'' and will try to appeal to their generosity and good will. Nothing to loose and maybe... Just have to pack up my courage up a bit. Will do it before final meeting with my mgr and will see what he will say. and will take it from there I guess.

having second thoughts and maybe will leave it till Monday, my meeting. Maybe they WILL come up with something better though.

They also have to pay you accrued holiday pay or let you take the time off