Anyone know about redundancy or is a UNISON rep?

[nikkie]

For a friend.
She is a TA and her wok is cutting jobs, any idea what will be happening?

bump

Business have to consult, write first to all employees who may be at risk, have meetings to explain reasons. Talk about seletion criteria and other vacancies that may be an option. Depending on numbers as to how long consultation has to last but has to be meaningful like looking at all alternatives as opposed to losing jobs.

Apply the criteria (has to be fair and justifiable like length of service, skills, qualifications, absence record (excludes maternity leave), disciplinary record are some examples). Then notify those who are to be selected and give reasons and right of appeal

If pregnant or on leave then some different rules apply. Very complex issue, loads of info on ACAS and DTI. Whats a TA

Teaching Assistant.
Don't suppose you know about redundancy payments do you?

Not off hand without looking up, use a table at work which is based on statutory. Half a week up to age 22 then a week for each full years service up to age 41 (sorry been off for 9 months) then 1.5 weeks after that. A weeks basic award is based on up to £290 per week up to a maximum of £8700. Tax free

They might pay her notice (week for each year - max 12) instead of letting her work it (could be taxed if contractual)

Is it age on finishing then?

Yes, so if age 35 with 8 years service she would get 8 weeks redundancy pay at her weekly rate up to maximum of £290. Some places have enhanced terms and pay more

Have found out today its .5/1/1.5 same as you said but up to a max of 20 weeks.Are getting Unison involved as it is 4/30 to go .

What is the ruling on temporary (fixed term contracts) that keep being renewed and permanent contracts? Do temporary people go first?what if temp contracts have been renewed for a few years?

TIA

Not sure I'm afraid but ACAS would be really helpful on that sort of thing 08457 474747

Thanks

How old is she? If over 50 and working for local government and in the pension scheme she'll get early access to her pension if made redundant.

I'm guessing she does work for the local authority and if she wants to avoid redundancy she could press for redeployment to another job. Usually plenty of these with the council.

Thats a point nothing has been mentioned about redeployments
She is only 30 so not going to be pensionable yet

They should make an 'at risk' list and offer those on it suitable alternative employment, if there are any vacant posts in the same area of employment. I think it would have to be work of the same salary band or one either side to be deemed 'suitable alternative'.

Don't know how they do it with schools as when I went there I transferred from social services but don't know of anyone transferring out.Know a few schools are having redundancies so whether there is anywhere to go

Right... I've found my Employment Law advice handbook given to me by Unison only the other week

Your friend would be entitled to statutory redundancy pay if she meets the eligibility criteria... ie: she is an employee, she is below normal retirment age, she has two years continuous service.

She will lose her right to statutory redundancy pay if she unreasonably refuses and offer of suitable alternative employment.

Thanks