Downgraded at work and career advice please

[MummybasedUK]

Hello,

Work for public sector and recently been downgraded which came out of the blue.

Management advising it’s not me it’s a “business need” yet I’m the only one they have advised that their grade does not exist anymore in this proposed restructure! Teams will merge etc and there will be synergies but only me facing grade disappearing!

Got union involved add after weeks of negotiation work now back tracked saying I can stay at current grade BUT it will be a lot more demanding!… maybe my face does not fit anymore!

I’m not under any PIP nor have I had any warnings etc so this has come out of the blue. Been off with work related stress.

Options proposed to me are:

1. If I choose to stay at current grade then I’ve been advised current role will be more demanding! They did not say in what way but clearly they don’t want this option. Advised my JD has been to evaluation and it’s come out 1 to 2 grades lower!
2. accept proposed downgrade at lower level (looks like similar role to the one I’m on but they’ve removed the word “leading” etc however it’s similar projects/duties and providing support for more teams than I do now.
3. take early leavers (redundancy)

I’m mid 50’s and been with this employer 6 years (midlands). Union think it’s appalling and have advised work this too. I think I need to get out as they are giving me a clear message by their attempt at an unfair downgrade?

I’ve asked for voluntary leavers figures and won’t be great as not been there years but I do have ISA’s and good savings so can retire early or look for something in the future.

Any advice from HR professionals as I’m finding it very stressful, humiliating and it’s effected my confidence.

Thanks

I don’t know anything about unionised or public sector roles but in the private sector they can’t just demote you as that would be constructive dismissal. Clearly otherwise every company would knock the role down after 2-3 years. It doesn’t sound right at all.

Yes hope so and awaiting to find out if pension will be un-reduced. Thanks

Thanks and awaiting their VLS figures 🤞

Thank you and Union agree. They advised it’s ridiculous! I don’t think I want to work for them anymore so getting all my finance ducks in a row working out if I can retire early. I’ve lost all goodwill, motivation and respect. I could quite quit but thinking what’s the point! X

No pay protection x

Thank you and will push for this 🤞

Only me getting downgraded so it’s not even proportionate! Council does not offer pay protection when I’ve dug my contract out. Someone has clearly not done their homework! This leaves a bad taste in my mouth and how does it look to other staff in this big restructure!

Thanks and good points. They’ve tried to put me off staying at my current senior grade advising that “expectations will be a lot higher and current job a lot more demanding”!! They clearly don’t want me to stay at current grade and would prefer I go down a grade for similar duties! If I stay at current grade I’m concerned they’ll make my life miserable and I feel embarrassed and humiliated at getting pushed into a downgrade! X

Agree and that’s my concern. Why would they try and downgrade me to start with. It’s very humiliating, stressful, disrespectful etc 🙈 I think I seriously need to leave and have a meeting soon to discuss all this x

So once the union showed interest, they backed down. Hmmm.

Is there any reason you think they'd want to let you go?

Thank you. I get on with colleagues and that’s the sad part but I’ve lost all my mojo because of this. I’m working out if I can afford to retire early as don’t think I need all this ❤️

Good question - I think my face no longer fits. My manager is a lot younger and my friends think he could be threatened. I’m always professional, never undermine etc and get on well with everyone but I’ve noticed he’s been hostile the last few months. I’ve not had any negative performance reviews etc and maybe he just doesn’t want me working for him anymore. I also work part time and in the last couple of years I’ve been asked at least 3 times if I would like to go full time so am wondering if this is an issue.

Sounds plausible. If they map out the "more demanding" version of your role make sure its clear what they expect for the part time equivalent as they might just throw lots at you in the hope it forces your hours up.

Also despite the job market being tough it's also tough to find people who can do the bloody work. So keep reminding yourself of your worth, don't let them wear you down.

I'm sorry you are going through this, it must be very stressful. You have mentioned that you don;t think your face fits anymore. Do you mean for sexist or racist reasons? Sorry if I am being thick.

That's VERY interesting 🤔 they wanted you full time, in your current role etc - yet NOW they're saying they want you for zero time / role gone?? That makes no sense and is fishy as hell! Def get the union to follow that one up.

I'd say get out of there, take the redundancy and pension etc. BUT take both your & their time to keep making them get all the info & squirm with further Qs etc - stretch it out to stay on & earn as much as possible before you do go. Try and think if there's anything else that has been odd or different in the last few months, you may be able to try and use it in your favour. Any ageism do you think?

@MummybasedUK does a move down in grade always mean a pay cut? Where I am, the salary bands over lap. So after a few years you could be earning the top of one band but still be earning more than someone on a higher band. Position in band depends on experience, performance and service length (or combination). While some bands have a higher bonus target (eg 10% vs 8%) there are several on the same target. Obviously it does mean the highest salary you can get is lower, should you get to the top, so you’d then need to go for promotion.

I’d want to know exactly how my salary would be impacted and if too low, I’d take the higher grade and whatever comes with it until I can get out on my terms. Definitely seek legal
advice (not just union) as it sounds very off!

Is your role the same as the others which aren't being downgraded?

You need details of what they expect if you're working at a higher grade. Is it work that deserves that grade?

As everyone says, it all sounds rather dodgy, so I'd want as much information as I can get about it all. Even if I decided I want yo ho, I'd rather they pay for it, be it redundancy, constructive dismissal or whatever.

Think manager just dislikes me and can see no
other reason, Work advising it’s not me it’s a business need not needing my grade!

6 weeks off with work related stress x

It’s only me getting downgraded in this restructure where our team is joining another 4 to 5 new teams. That’s what’s horrible about it and union fiercely disagree. I am not sure if my role same as others as I haven’t seen their JD’s just a proposed organisational chart.

My current role is senior mgr and work advising if I keep at my current grade and same job description it will be more demanding so they clearly trying to make things difficult for me!

Because I’ve been treated like this I’m edging towards leaving and getting another PT job as I don’t know what other trick they will try and pull and I’ve lost trust in them. I’ve inherited some money so I’m working out if I can afford to leave as I don’t really want to keep working there if I’m not desperate.

I'd take option 1. How much more demanding can be it realistically be? Probably not that much - call their bluff.

I'm not sure if the same rules apply in UK but I would be submitting an FOI request looking for all records & e-mails etc between your boss and anyone else discussing you , your role, your sick leave etc.

If you want data about yourself, it's a subject access request under GDPR to make. The results of a freedom of information request are published publicly, and it's not the right mechanism anyway.

@MummybasedUK it is fine if you decide you have had enough. However, don’t let
it be because of their underhandedness. Does your role as it was not exist in this new scenario? If not then surely they have to make that role redundant. In which case, they (if you are in uk) I believe (not a lawyer) also have to allow you a grace period in the revised role (or an alternative you apply for internally, if there are any and if you get it) and you still have a window where you can change your mind and take the redundancy. Seek legal advice as well as working with union. Don’t just leave for a quiet life.