Redeployment to office 50 mins away

[Pootle78]

Help, sorry this is long!

Was informed last week that the council I work for are looking to move my post (and one other) out of my department into the main council building 50 mins away. We would still however be completing work for "old" department but be line managed and based else where. So as I understand it, the post is not being deleted, just moved.

We were told there would be a consultation period and when queried the duration of this, was told there want really a consultation period like with redundancy but a meeting with hr this week to discuss new line manager and when we move.

I currently work 3 days a week where I drop my son off at nursery after 8 and start work at 8.30, home, nursery and work are within 5 mins of each other.

To move office I physically couldn't get ds to nursery and get to work by the time I'm due to start so would have to reduce hours. I'm entitled to redeployment mileage but as it's taxable wouldn't cover the cost of going to the new office.

I'm also due to go on mat leave in 7 weeks and I'm getting a little stressed out by it all.

By the sounds of it, it's a done deal and the speed meetings are happening feel that they will try and put the move in place before I'm due to go off.

I've received no written details about anything, just what the big boss told us last week in a 10 min conversation
So the questions are

1. where do I stand if I say I'm not going (full stop)
2. not going before I start may leave
3. my direct line manager thought there may be a discrimination issue as a parent as I would have to reduce my hours to get ds to nursery and me to work on time (although I think it may be clutching at straws)
4. the redeployment mileage is for 1 year only, of which I will be in mat leave for majority so wouldn't be entitled to, is that allowed?

Then of course there are the questions how can someone manage me when they have no idea what I do? (am based in a dept that is multi agency with legal aspects chucked in for good measure).

Any ideas on my first 4 questions?

Thanks

Legal position is that it is considered reasonable for someone to move offices, so long as still 'reasonably' commutable. If you have a mobility clause in your contract they don't need to consult but otherwise they do although they can then go ahead with changes so long as they are being 'reasonable'

'Reasonable' however has not been defined, so it is all subjective. There are therefore no 'right or wrong' answers to most of this.

Specifically:-

1. They may insist you go, even if you refuse. They may offer redundancy as an alternative (they don't have to necessarily). you may have union protection
2. They don't have to make allowances for you but it's unlikely to kick off for a couple of months anyway - they'll have to get desks ready/IDs/telephones/redirecting numbers etc etc sorted so it'll likely happen during your ML
3. Possible, but feels a bit like clutching at straws
4. If you are materially out of pocket permanently you should be negotiating for a permanent salary uplift, not a temporary one.

If you are workign for council do you not have the union behind you to help out wiht this? That should be the first step.

Thanks Squiffy, I'm not a member of the union so not entitled to any support from them, although the other person who is affected is.

In relation to uplift in salary, I've read the redeployment policy and it states that redeployment mileage is for 1 year only and that should I be financially worse off then I'll get a one off compensation payment if I need to reduce my hours due to the relocation. Other than that there is nothing about salary enhancements.

In relation to moving, the team being moved to is already set up so I don't think that will be a delay, I've been working at my current office for over 6 years (my department for 8) does that count for nothing?

Yes, it counts if you have never been asked to relocate, and if changing offices is not standard for your type of role. But as I mentioend whether it were reasonable or nto depends on exact situation

Do your nursery offer a longer day? Some nurseries open at 7 am and you can choose to drop your children off earlier for an extra fee. Its not idea but could be a way out of your problem?