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Original poster

Asked to recruit my replacement!

21 replies

runningpram · 06/07/2023 07:58

I wrote a few months ago about a situation at work - where the newly appointed CEO told me he didn't want me working directly for me, saying my work was not up to scratch, after previously praising it.
When I asked what I'd done wrong I was told 'nothing' he just didn't think I was a good fit. I was obviously v upset about this - I know I'm very good at my job and felt I hadn't really been given a chance to prove myself.

I was given a new role in addition to some central elements of my previous job. I am now extremely busy but generally really enjoying it and have good feedback so far - it will also be good for me career wise - although the extra job is a temporary loan.

In the meantime the CEO's team tried to appoint a man to do my old job but this didn't work out. This failure to recruit has meant I have actually been doing a lot of my old job - a lot of my old tasks are sent my way - but I don't get any of the credit. It's obviously tricky for me to do them because I obviously now can't talk to the CEO directly - given he wanted to get rid of me! So I now have effectively 1.75 jobs.

They are now moving on with recruiting a replacement for the core bits of my old role but at a lower level. In some ways I am relieved about this as I am extremely busy. I was told verbally I would have a new job at the same level- and manage the new recruit, so probably taking on another temporary role on top of some bits of my old job.

There is lots of work in the team for me to do - I am happy with that and want the new person to have a better experience than me.

My manager has asked me to help in the recruitment process and sit on the panel. I want to be helpful and have agreed. However, I've since learned that there is a dispute about whether my role will exist in the new year because the finance isn't there.

I've been told verbally I won't be made redundant and it will get sorted but I am obviously a bit concerned and feel quite disrespected.

Would sitting on the interview panel for someone who is effectively my replacement be a bad move? Are there legal implications here for me? I am thinking of telling them 'no' but worried it will make me sound difficult and ruin the supportive relationships that I have.

OP posts:

Fraaahnces · 06/07/2023 08:05

Don’t do a damn thing until you have it in writing that you will have a permanent position with x wage (and commensurate increases). Don’t believe verbal agreements. Record any conversations you have and refer to the conversations via email with quotes, requesting confirmation via email. Ie “Dear Mr Lyinglyingpants, referring to our conversation at 10:30 today wherein you stated that I will “definitely have a position with the same amount of pay” for the duration of 2024”… Could you please confirm what you meant by “xxxxxxx”? And hopefully they will email back.
That should be useful. Also, join ACAS/Union

Fandabedodgy · 06/07/2023 08:06

Would sitting on the interview panel for someone who is effectively my replacement be a bad move?

It's not a replacement for you. It's a new, more junior job. As this person will report to you it's essential that you are on the panel.

Are there legal implications here for me

I'm not sure what you think they might be.

am thinking of telling them 'no' but worried it will make me sound difficult and ruin the supportive relationships that I have

You would be refusing to carry out your job and refusing to comply with a reasonable instruction. You could find yourself in a disciplinary

Codlingmoths · 06/07/2023 08:11

No fucking way. I would also stop doing any of my old role. Say it’s been a goodwill gesture but since the ceo thinks working with me is a shitshow I’m running out of goodwill here, a confirmed job role for me in writing would go a long way here. When could you provide that by? In the meantime perhaps ceo can do the role himself.

and they sound

Codlingmoths · 06/07/2023 08:12

Oops. And they sound toxic so dust off your cv and get it out there!

Codlingmoths · 06/07/2023 08:14

Sorry - this is not re the panel. @Fandabedodgy is spot on that you must be on the panel. But you also do not need to cease to do 1.75 jobs, and drop the old role until they’ve confirmed the new role. I’m highly dubious there is a new role tbh.

Codlingmoths · 06/07/2023 08:14

Christ my typing. You need to stop doing 1.75 jobs! It is taking up your precious job hunting time and energy.

Frogpond · 06/07/2023 08:16

Start looking for another job. You are probably going to end up training a replacement then lose your job.

LoisPrice · 06/07/2023 08:18

Yeap

make sure you head towards another dud person that can’t cope with the role

LoisPrice · 06/07/2023 08:18

Not you couldn’t cope but the previous man

Original poster

runningpram · 06/07/2023 08:21

@Fandabedodgy I've been asked not told to go on the panel. I'm doing it out of goodwill.
I'm guessing legal implications could be that my participation could undermine a case for unfair dismissal if things went truly pear shaped. Don't think we'll get to that point but want to make sure I'm protected in case it does. But that's why I'm asking really.
Yes of course I'd like to play a part in recruiting the person I'm managing which is why this is a dilemma!

OP posts:

Weal · 06/07/2023 08:22

I agree with others about prioritise Looking for a job outside this organisation. Sounds like you have been treated badly, are being overworked and at risk of redundancy.

I wouldn’t believe anything anyone says verbally. Ask for confirmation in an email.

Id probably ask how it is possible to manage someone doing a job that you supposedly wasn’t proficient in yourself and how you can help recruit for a role that you apparently weren’t proficient in. Sounds like they need you quite desperately at the moment. maybe arrange to have time with your manager to discuss your many concerns and how they can be addressed (eg covering more than one role etc.)

Beaverbridge · 06/07/2023 08:25

Start looking for a new job.

LookItsMeAgain · 06/07/2023 08:27

Firstly stop doing any part of your old role. It's not part of your new role and you've got to start standing up for yourself. A gentle "I'm sorry I can't do X or Y any more. It's not part of my role since Shite Manager moved me to new role. You'll have to take it up with Shite Manager."

Next, if you haven't done it already, join a union. Arrange to meet with your union rep and lay out exactly what has happened and when and for how long it has been going.

Then do not agree to join any interview panel. If they want to hire new staff, let them. You're not going to help them find your replacement. Why would you??

Best of luck with it all.

LookItsMeAgain · 06/07/2023 08:31

I should clarify that when I say don't go onto an interview panel, I mean until your own role is clarified and what the scope of that role would be. You need to get your niche sorted out first before looking to take on any one else. If they are looking for a replacement for you, why would you assist in that as you're essentially putting yourself out of a job, willingly. Also, it means that if things go tits up with whoever they take on, then your fingerprints are no where near it!

ForTheSnarkWasABoojumYouSee · 06/07/2023 08:34

There are two possibilities:
1 you'll end up with another role and also mentoring the junior who gets hired. In that case it's obviously beneficial to be on the panel
2 you get made redundant. In which case being in the panel has no benefit to you but I also can't see any practical harm done

I'd go on the panel but also polish your cv and look for another job.

senua · 06/07/2023 08:44

It seems to me that if there is a function that this new recruit does and that you manage then the first thing to do is write job descriptions for the pair of you so that you all know how this will work. This will be a win/win for you: it confirms that you have a job, it defines boundaries and you can push the rubbish bits on newbie.

Thosepeskyseagulls · 06/07/2023 08:56

I would use the panel to politely and professionally mention all the things you did and all the competencies you have. Like, “they’ll need to be able to manage X and Y under pressure” etc.

SD1978 · 06/07/2023 09:00

I agree with those saying to solidify your position in writing. You're currently doing both roles, have been asked to assist with interview for your replacement in role 1- which you've continued to do, and with no guarantee the role you currently are supposed to do will be funded. I'd be moving on ASAP!!!

Fraaahnces · 06/07/2023 09:04

I actually agree that you should look elsewhere. Also doing 1.75 jobs is bonkers. They’re massively taking advantage of you. Start writing a list of all the skills you currently provide for this company and update your CV. I would hope you would get a glowing reference from your current company. They do sound awful.

FartSock5000 · 06/07/2023 09:37

@runningpram If the CEO wants you gone, in the end they will find a way. You have to know that. You should be looking for another job.

Don't do the panel. Don't do the extra work. Stop extending yourself for a company who are trying to replace you.

Original poster

runningpram · 06/07/2023 21:17

Thank you all. Have asked for confirmation I will have a job in writing. Their answer will tell me all I need to know and determine my next steps.
I know they're confined by budgets but they also have a duty of care to their staff. It's not ok to leave people worried for months on end. Either they make me redundant or confirm my job is safe. I think I was slightly beaten down by it all and you've all made me see I deserve a lot better.

OP posts:

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