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Original poster

Redundancy/Restructure/Unfairness?

18 replies

ListenLinda · 29/07/2020 09:38

Morning all, I think this is going to be a bit of a long one so just bear with me.

In January, a restructure was announced of our team and I was asked to chose between two other roles in the office, one in the same department but different role and one in another.
I chose the role that would allow me to stay in the department as I like the people I work with etc. This move was due to take effect the week lockdown was announced and we were all shipped off home. Obviously, the move never occurred and I stayed doing what I was doing.
The redundancy consultation process was announced this week and the roles at risk was announced, no changes to the role I was due to move into, but 1 redundancy on the team now, but the team says a reduction from 3 to 2. There are currently four of us at the moment.
So, where do I stand? Am I included in the role at risk or should I be in the new role? Would I be an absolute twat to ask what the posistion is or just wait to see if I get selected?
To complicate matters even more, one of the memebers of the team does not report to our line manager (family member), so she believes they arent included in the numbers and the actual number is me and two others.

So now I feel sick and furious. That the move wasn’t cemented and that this other person is going to miss out due to the logistics when he IS a member of the team and should be included as such.

Sorry it is so long, my head is really a mess. I also havent been there as long as others and just already concluding that it will be me that goes if thats the case.

OP posts:
flowery · 29/07/2020 14:11

If the new role still exists then I assume you’ll still move into it, but you’ll have to check. You say the move “obviously” never took place- did anyone write to you and formally state that the move will not take effect and that you remain in the old role?

Mmsnet101 · 29/07/2020 14:14

Just ask, it's not unreasonable to wonder and they should be making clear who is under consultation anyway.

It sounds like they are counting you in the other team but only they will know.

Original poster
ListenLinda · 29/07/2020 15:23

Hi, was never formally told I would be staying in the role I am in now.

I emailed my HoD to seek clarification and it was confirmed I am a full time member of the at risk role and therefore I am currently at risk of redundancy.

I don’t know when to apply for other jobs or whether to wait and see what happens.

As I have been there less than two years, there is no cushion for me and no pay out, if it is me who is selected I need to find something else very quickly.

OP posts:
flowery · 29/07/2020 16:30

Have you got written confirmation of the new role?

Original poster
ListenLinda · 29/07/2020 17:24

No, i was offered the choice in a 1-2-1 meeting then a few days later an email from HoD saying she is happy I chose to be part of the new team. Started to do some training for it and then heard nothing else as lockdown and WFH started.

Now it has been confirmed to me I suppose I can now make a plan.

OP posts:
My0My · 30/07/2020 00:58

As you haven’t been there two years I think they can just say they don’t want you. I would look for another job now. The not reporting to a family member needs clarification. Is this employee in the team doing this work or not? Who they report to might make no difference at all. It’s the jobs that are made redundant and who someone reports to is immaterial. They could still be included in the reorganisation.

Original poster
ListenLinda · 30/07/2020 04:28

Yes I know, I am preparing myself for it. If either if my colleagues took voluntary, they could walk away with a decent payout, but why would they do that in the currenr climate. I am far cheaper to get rid of I know.

Yes the other member of the team does the work same as the rest of us, but it says rhe headcount is going from 3 to 2 officially, but there are four of us so it is going from 4 to 3, 3 out of 4 of us at risk.

OP posts:
daisychain01 · 30/07/2020 06:59

If they do announce that they will let you go you could ask them if they'd be willing to pay you as an Ex gratia in lieu of notice ie release you immediately as it means it will be tax free, which buys you extra time. It would enable you to channel your energy into job searching without having to juggle it with the day job.

Original poster
ListenLinda · 30/07/2020 08:15

Notices of redundancy will be going out w/c 31st of August, the same week I will reach 2 years service.
It it is me, and I recieve notice that will take me over the 2 years, would I then be entitled to redundancy pay?

OP posts:
MinesAPintOfTea · 30/07/2020 08:19

Having been through redundancies - you should apply for jobs now. You can always decide to stay put later on, but you want a job offer in hand if at all possible. Moving to a company that is recruiting and therefore financially doing well is much better than staying in a company where cutbacks are happening.

Original poster
ListenLinda · 30/07/2020 08:50

Thank you @MinesAPintOfTea. I’ve got myself sorted on Linkedin and will be editing my CV on my lunch break today and start applying.

What a crappy situation. I love my job, I don’t want to leave. It’s horrible knowing that it is completely out of your hands.

OP posts:
Moondust001 · 30/07/2020 13:11

@daisychain01

If they do announce that they will let you go you could ask them if they'd be willing to pay you as an Ex gratia in lieu of notice ie release you immediately as it means it will be tax free, which buys you extra time. It would enable you to channel your energy into job searching without having to juggle it with the day job.
Do you mean a non-contractual payment in lieu of notice? If so that particular tax loophole was closed some time ago. All PILON is now taxable.
MyPersona · 30/07/2020 19:12

@ListenLinda

Notices of redundancy will be going out w/c 31st of August, the same week I will reach 2 years service. It it is me, and I recieve notice that will take me over the 2 years, would I then be entitled to redundancy pay?
Yes. Your length of service includes your notice period. You should also ask why the 4th person doing the same job isn’t in the pool.
Original poster
ListenLinda · 30/07/2020 19:19

I know I should ask, but if the consultation is the family member and HR, that would be very awkward and I wouldn’t want to do anything to damage my chances so to speak.

OP posts:
flowery · 30/07/2020 20:30

Sounds like you did get email confirmation of the new role. I would push that and ask what is happening to that role.

Original poster
ListenLinda · 30/07/2020 21:31

@flowery good point, I think I will, thank you.

OP posts:
gobananasgo · 30/07/2020 22:36

If you hit the two years you'll get one weeks pay for each year you've worked plus notice period. So look it's nothing massive unless you've worked there 50 years or have a different contract. You can negotiate a payout anyway as part of a settlement agreement ( this might be offered to you to make the redundancy process quicker. It's often done as you sign away any rights so no comeback option for you to claim you were treated unfairly)

Original poster
ListenLinda · 31/07/2020 09:17

The Board are considering a goodwill payment for those who don’t/won’t have two years service. I should reach it however.

OP posts:
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