Redundancy question

[Crookairroad]

I work for a firm with two offices. One big main one and the other significantly smaller of just half a dozen people. If the directors decide to close the smaller office, can anyone give me any idea as to what happens with redundancy? If they offer us a transfer to the bigger office, is it a case of take or or leave it - ie if you don’t want to move office then leave the firm, it’s your choice OR, do they have to offer a redundancy package as well as the option to transfer? Or just redundancy. I hope that makes sense.

It’s the role not the person that is made redundant so they need to consider everyone at the same level in redundancy criteria. However arguably by choosing not to relocate you are saying you do not wish to carry out the role. I’m not a lawyer or in HR though.

How far apart are the offices?

This is primarily a case of what your contract states rather than statutory law. What does your contract state about place of work? Most employers would have built in a little flexibility as most rent premises and so need flexibility in case they have no choice but to move.

Thanks. They are about 15 miles apart.

I’ll check my contract but I suspect it says your usual place of work is B office but you may be required from time to time to work in A depending on the needs of the business - or something like that.

I know both offices are owned not rented.

It would depend whether the role at the other office is a suitable alternative. A 15 mile increase could well be considered suitable but personal circumstances are relevant too.