Nearly posted this in AIBU!
Its long and very much in a getting it off my chest style
TLDR - made redundant , job readvertised 6 weeks later, any recourse (age/disability discrimination - see item (d) and (e) at the bottom)
I was made redundant 2 months ago (last day of employment was 31 March). I'd been employed for 12 years
The process was a bit 'odd' - there was no consultation, I didn't get formal notification, was told by a colleague I was on 'the list'. and then on tenter hooks until I was called into the office for the chat. It was basically a foregone conclusion. Employer wanted me out. I had no choice in the matter. I either took the package offered or I would have to take statutory redundancy and there was a significant variance. I did have legal advice. I took redundancy.
The tasks I was undertaking were either left to not get done or handed over to someone with little/no experience in my role. The tasks still required doing. The department I was in went from 1 full time and 3 part time to 1 full time plus an adhoc consultancy role.
Today the company has advertised for someone to do the exact same role I was doing. In fact I think I wrote the job description.
As it was obvious that the role was still required I was some what sanguine at the time as my face obviously no longer fit - but I did think that the company would recruit, but probably not until July/August time - ie a decent length of time.
There has been no communication to the wider organisation that I have left the company. I've just disappeared. Which is difficult as I live within 5 miles of my old employer and have to 'explain' when ever I come across an ex colleague in the two where I live. Its now going to be worse as it looks like I was doing something wrong and was 'got rid of'. And to any potential employer googling the same role I was doing will come up and no doubt questions asked.
I am mightily annoyed (well actually upset). I don't believe I have any recourse to an employment tribunal as they can advertise posts as they see fit, as and when.
But :
(a) I had no disciplinary events against me (never have).
(b) I never took time off sick (3 days of sick in 12 years)
(c) There was no improvement plan in place (or indeed expired) - all annual reviews/interactions with managers/directors were positive.
(d) I am 'older' - nearly 60
(e) I have a blue badge (although not on any disability benefits), my 'disability' was well known within the company (from the top down) but no modifications were required so no formal notification undertaken.
To make it worse it's an organisation that relies heavily on a volunteer workforce and for the last month I've been volunteering (different role). My OH did say that I was mad to do this. I obviously I am - and I won't be volunteering anymore.
Is there anything I can do apart from write to the CEO to express my disgust/disappointment? Is there anything to be gained via the Equality Act?