I'm on maternity and being made redundant. Help!

[gigi556]

I've posted on another forum topic already as I didn't realise this was here so apologies.

I'm 10 months into my 12 month maternity leave and have been informed that I am being made redundant. I've been with the company just over 2 years so I'm entitled to 4 weeks pay (my notice period), 2 weeks redundancy pay and 35 days accrued holiday on maternity. I was considering handing my notice and not going back anyway, so this is looking like a good deal if it's offered to me. I have my consultation meeting early next week.

I work in a small regional office for a national company. The consultation is over the phone as HR is based in London. What can I expect from this consultation meeting. Can I volunteer to take the money? I know that they have to look for another role for me, but I don't think they will be able to find one at my level in this office. Can they offer me a role in another office?

Should I negotiate a better deal than the minimum? I'm not a member of a trade union, should I bring someone to this consultation. Who? Help!

I don't have answers but have just been told I'm in the same boat. Can I ask where you got the information about being paid your notice period? That could make the difference for me between staying and going!

You need to familiarise yourself with the redundancy policy of the company. After 2 years I would be surprised if you got an enhanced package. If they offer another role, you don’t have to take it if it’s not suitable. It’s your job that’s redundant, not you, so if the redundancy package sounds ok, take it, if you didn’t particularly want to go back anyway. My experience of restructuring has airways been that applications are invited for alternative jobs. You have to match your skills to the jobs available. If you feel that any alternative job isn’t suitable, then your job is redundant and you accept the offer.

The policy should explain who you can take to a meeting. It’s often a “friend” or someone else from the company. Whether that’s of any value rather depends on what you want from the meeting.

You either work a period of notice or agree pay in lieu of notice. Notice could be 2 weeks or several months and depends on your contract. Some companies don’t want redundant employees hanging on for months. They prefer to pay and sever the contract.

You need to check what you will be paid during your notice period since the likelihood is that you will only get your maternity pay during this time.

Thanks Bubbles

Access to the intranet, therefore policy documents and pay information, is suspended whilst you're on any long-term leave so I'm waiting for HR to provide all the relevant information. It's a frustrating wait!

Thanks. I guess I was just wondering about an enhanced package because I feel they could have known sooner about my potential redundancy and I relocated for the role 2 years ago. I'm on hold with ACAS to speak to someone for further advice. My partner thinks I should just take the money and run. I can't really think of anyone else to have on the call even though it seems like a good idea... I'm not supposed to tell anyone at the company that I'm at risk. HR told me the process is confidential.

You're not entitled to an enhanced payment just because you feel they should have made you redundant sooner I'm afraid.

Ok fair enough. I just wondered if it was dodgy that it seems like they were waiting me out so to speak. As in wanting to see if I'd hand my notice in rather than make me redundant.

I don't think that it sounds dodgy tbh. Its not good for them to make a maternity leave employee redundant since you have preferential rights in relation to alternative employment and you continue to receive your mat pay even once they've terminated the employment. It's a hassle for then, not a benefit.

Right I see what you mean. Although my maternity pay has ceased now as I'm 11 months into my maternity leave.

By way of an update, I am officially being made redundant as the consultation period has now ended.

I need to sort out whether or not I can get tax-free childcare while I either go self-employed or look for work. What is the best way to work out your entitlements. Is a trip to CAB worth a go or is it easy to work out yourself? I've had a quick look on the government website and it doesn't look straight forward...

How did you get on? I may be about to be in the same position...