Restructure - what are my rights?

[slev]

So long story short, I work in a support service (think HR, finance, IT etc.) and the department I support is merging with another one. Which means the two of us who are heads of our respective areas are going to have our roles combined into one.

There's a meeting tomorrow to discuss the new structure and the heads up I've been given is that they'll get someone more senior in to head up the new combined team and the two of us there currently will form a management structure underneath that person (but will need to reapply for these jobs, although that seems to be a formality - hopefully).

So my question is really - what do they have to offer me? No point in suggesting redundancy, I've only been there 6 months so will have to take what I'm offered. I'm pretty confident the pay will be the same but on the face of it, it will be a demotion - my business partners will presumably be less senior, my job title may change to be less senior and I would imagine I won't be part of the leadership group any more so wont get invited to the same events etc. Can they do this (i.e. effectively demote me by changing the structure) or do I have a "right" to the same level of exposure etc. as previously?

Sorry, that was longer than intended - but all thoughts welcome. I think I'm stuck with it either way for now, but would be good to know what I can argue for!

Sorry but...
Yes, they can do this.
No, you don't have a "right" to the same level of exposure etc. as previously.

If the pay is the same (or even if it's 10-20% less) I don't know what you can argue for.
Perhaps if you have any other job-related benefits (company car, pension and/or employer paid childcare) you could ask that you retain these.

Hmm, sadly that's what I suspected. In a way I don't know why I'm complaining - same money, less responsibility - what's not to like?! I think it's just the perception bit that bothers me, and will look very odd on a CV etc.

Oh well, thanks for replying anyway, even if it wasn't the answer I wanted - guess I'll see what happens today and take it from there.

It's a perfectly valid restructuring. It wouldn't be unusual to keep your job title the same either, just having someone above you a new layer. That would obviously make no difference on your CV.

As you've only been there 6 months you'd have no rights anyway even if they didn't follow a proper procedure as you can't claim unfair dismissal although that may apply to your colleague.

What about the new job, would you be interested in applying?

Thanks flowery. Agree that's it's completely valid, it's just the adding in a layer which is obviously not ideal from my own career perspective. And in fairness, I have no idea how this is actually going to pan out, just checking out what my options are before heading in to the meeting.

No point in applying for the new job, it's going to be much more senior - that's already been explained and I completely agree with the logic - I couldn't do it.

So I'll probably just take whatever's offered as I've got nothing to lose - as you say, with only 6 months service it's basically take it or look for something else - and there's nothing unfair about it as far as I can see anyway - the other individual may get offered a severance package as it's that kind of company but don't think that will apply in my case as I haven't been here long enough. And if I can get over the ego element of it all, then it's actually a good place to work so not worth throwing my toys out the pram - just a bit frustrating!