Applying for voluntary redundancy

[SweetSeraphim]

Can someone please give me some advice?

I want to apply for VR which has been offered at work. I have been off work for 6 weeks with anxiety and stress, and feel that this would suit both parties.

I just need to know - when I write my email, do I give reasons why I am applying? Or just say that I would like to put my name forward? What's the done thing? I have never been in this position before, and I'm not sure of the process. This is something I really want, and need to be sure that I'm doing it in the right way.

Can anyone help please?

Your employer should tell you how to do this. It is usually their standard letter which you sign and date. There is room to plead your case for vr usually.

Thanks redandwhite - but I'm off at the moment so have to do this from home via email.

I have the email from the big bosses telling us what needs to be included, ie dept etc, but don't know whether I should plead my case or if it's better not to, iyswim.

You really don't need to 'plead your case', as your personal reasons for applying will be nothing to do with their decision whether to accept your application. If they can manage without you in terms of their structure going forward and that fits in with their plans, they'll probably accept. If they'd rather not lose you, they may not.

Just provide the information they've asked for. If they need anything else they'll let you know.

Brilliant, that's all I needed to know, thanks flowery

Hi Seraphim I applied for voluntary severance from the University I worked for and was awarded it. Like you I had a history of poor health which was one of my main reasons for wanting to go, but the decision makers must not take that sort of thing into account as it would be discriminatory.

As Flowery said above it is likely to be a financial decision in the end but it is worth finding out the whole process, which they must publish. In my case they took 3 things into account; money, ease of someone else doing your job and finally a statement from your Dean or Service Director. I spoke frankly to my immediate line manager and he advised arranging a short meeting with the Dean to ensure she knew I had thought it through and wanted to go rather than was putting in on spec and may not take it up if offered.

In my case the Dean did a pre sift of applications so not all the people who put in an application were put forward to the committee. So I think making the effort to see my 'big boss' paid off for me.

Good luck with it all. I found my health improved dramatically once I'd left for good and I am loving the time with the DCs.

Fingers crossed for you.

Thanks Sneaky

I've sent the email, just a matter of waiting now. All I said was that I wanted to put my name forward, nothing more personal than that.

The fact is that my health is suffering, and I need to go. Ultimately, that will have to happen whether they accept my offer or not, but after 8 years (I have only been suffering from stress for the last 6 months), I would hope that the powers that be will see that this is the best for everyone.

Since my company was taken over last year, any staff that have left have been replaced by agency contractors - out of approx 60 members of staff in my dept, there are only 4 of us left that are permanent employees. So I'm hoping that will go in my favour.

Fingers crossed, and thanks for your advice, it's much appreciated.

So how did you get on SweetSeraphim?

@Wolfie59 this thread is from 7 years ago!!

Blimey, I'm sure she's ok.

Oops, an old post. But I do wish people who ask for help/advice would then follow up with ‘what happened in the end’.