HR question: Navigating voluntary severance process when I have a job offer

[mindovamatta]

My employer has been running a voluntary severance (VS) process. I have been wanting to leave for a while, but not without another job lined up. By coincidence, I received a job offer the day before the VS application deadline, so I applied for the VS. It is not certain that my VS application will be accepted (because my role may not be one they feel they can lose). I realise I will be very fortunate if it is accepted in addition to having the new job. My question is ...

The VS conditions says applicants who have already resigned or given "notice to leave" can't apply or be accepted for VS. I haven''t told anyone about my offer yet, but my prospective employer wants a line manager reference and an HR reference. If I allow them to go ahead with requesting these, will it be regarded as giving "notice to leave"?

Not necessarily but it probably means they will reject your VS request, and even if they don’t the time scale might not work with starting your new job. When does new employer want you to start? Honestly I would just hand your notice in.

You applied for vs nd had not at that time handed in your notice. So you'll be fine.

Just keep quiet bout the new job offer and see what happens.

OP can’t keep quiet, that’s the whole point of the thread. The new job wants references from the present employer.

OP it’s not regarded as your notice to leave however I would imagine if the company join the dots they will reject your VS. It would be nice to have but at the same time you have a job offer so not in the worst position if they do choose to reject it.

I would speak to your manager/HR and say that you have applied for VS and have started looking for a new job in anticipation of that being accepted and ask them to confirm that if you receive another job offer this wouldn't preclude you from receiving the settlement monies.

Be aware however that we generally insert a warranty (effectively a promise from the employee) into the settlement agreement to state that at the time of the settlement agreement the employee has not received an alternative offer of employment.