No money to pay redundancy after 35 years service?

[ladynade]

My mums employers are trying to give her the push without paying her redundancy. She is over 61 and her contract is binding. She also knows of other members of past female staff who worked until 65. She works part-time and they are moving premises but saying that she is on a short term contract even though she has signed nothing new! Surely they have to re-locate her? They say there is no money to pay her to leave. The union is involved but she trusts no-one - I am trying to help her out by getting some advice quickly any ideas who I could turn to ?? I feel quite angry about it all-she works in the childcare sector for a voluntary organisation. She will receive no pension from them and doesn't want to be forced out of work like this. Does she have any rights? Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated - or perhaps someone you could recommend

There was a union & mgt meeting yesterday. My mum has not been dismissed from work, nor has she been made redundant. It seems she is in limbo. Mgt can't make up their mind ...umm it seems like they are stalling to me. Is there some time frame they are waiting on a wonder!? Union think she should return to work after the holidays on 4th Sept. (Although there are no keys or lease to these new premises finalised yet!) Mgt say they can't pay her redundancy (as she would like-a proper package-they offered the minimum statutory (£4,000!)on this short term contract that they keep saying she is on but that the union refute, saying that it would open up a can of worms as they would have to pay others too....They said perhaps we can call it something else -a gift long stading service award or something....so not to rattle other employees who probably are entitled to a redundancy payment too. Also the company have insured themselves against employees taking them to court! How clever of them! Mum is waiting on a letter. But should she lodge something with the employment tribunal even if she doesn't take it up with them? Or should she wait. Any mumsnetters in the know out there???

Ooh... Mgt also said to mum that if she doesn't agree to their proposals then it would then be in the hands of the insurers and their decision would be final.