Redundant after 17 years at same company

[HighlyUnlikely]

I’ve been told I’m being made redundant at the end of June. Told, no consultation process even though there are at least seven people with the same job title as me, but not experience.

Our smallish company got taken over by a huge US based company two years ago and they’ve gradually been snipering us of one by one from the top.

I’ve been offered a settlement agreement of statutory plus 4 months salary, only one of which tax free.

As there’s no consultation period in place, do I have grounds for unfair dismissal? Another similar company was amalgamated with our at the take over and there’s several like for like roles as mine I thought should be up for consultation too.

People I’m dealing with are refusing to tell me anything about anyone also due to data protection. I’m talking to lawyers tomorrow, but I’m worried about jeopardising the settlement I’ve been offered by causing ripples. On the other hand, I want to be compensated for my service and beng back on the job market at aged 53.

Any advice?

Have you tried ACAS? They are very helpful and their website is informative.
Wondering if you've had anything in writing yet - your use of 'told' suggests this has all been verbal so far.
From what you say it sounds as if formal procedures have not been followed. Does the company have it's own written policies for redundancy and dismissal?
Sorry can't give any proper help, but there are people on here who are employment lawyers who will hopefully be able to assist.
Sorry you're having to deal with this.

Consultations are a waste of time. They know exactly who they want to get rid of and they fudge the numbers to get the results they want.

Start looking for a new job.

Good luck.

Not a bad offer really. 17 years statutory plus 4 months salary must be decent.

Yep, I took advice from a lawyer and employment advisor and decided to accept it. I could have taken it to tribunal over the lack of consultation process, but didn't want to risk them playing hard ball and only getting statutory pay. The good news is, I've already got work lined up for as soon as I leave elsewhere.