Can I Ask for Relocation Compensation or Ask for Redundancy?

[Lisa229]

My company has been taken over by another company and we will be relocating to a town which will be an extra 30-40 mins on my journey which means my start and end times will have to change and my husband having try and change his job times so he can pick kids up from nursery. Basically we have been told our jobs are safe but can I ask for compensation for the relocation or even ask for redundancy as I have not asked for this move? Or does it depend on what it says in my contract? Who can I seek for advice as to my rights. Obviously I do not want to resign for nothing but also I know when we do relocate it will be a complete nightmare logistically for me and my husband and mean less time with my kids. If anyone could help, I would appreciate it.

This is a difficult one, and complex legally. I would recommend that you speak to a lawyer (lots will meet you for free for a first meeting, call the ACAS helpline or speak to the CAB. Some of the issues will revolve around whether the Company was bought by a share sale or a purchase of the business (your advisors will be able to explain what this means, but if you can find out, do try to. Did you get any letters which talked about TUPE?).

You may be able to get redundancy. However, bear in mind that this is not much money. In a fair redundacny, unless your company has a more generous policy, it is only notice and statutory redundancy pay. Statutory redundancy pay is based on age and length of service. If you are under 42, it will be roughly a week's pay per year of service if you earn less than £330 per week gross, or £330 per year of service if you earn more than that gross.

You will only be entitled to relocation costs if your contract says you are.

HTH

Agree with Ribena, it's impossible to give a straightforward answer about this one. If redundancy or help with costs haven't been offered, it may be a good idea to see a lawyer or the CAB to discuss your exact specific individual situation, and work out whether you could ask for either of those things, and whether it's worth your doing so.

Do you have a mobility clause in your contract, and what does it say?

Agree with FBB and RB. However, I think you could ask your employer the questions and not just seek info elsewhere.

In particular there is no reason why you could not ask about compensation for extra travel and potentially more flexible working to accomodate the impact on your caring responsibilites.

After all the worst thing they can say is no. And you can bet others are thinking it and not asking so would want an answer to.

Do you have a staff consultation rep? as you could ask via them.

Thanks for all your advice. The company is very small (less than 20 with the 2 companies merging) so no rep, just the big boss. I will dig out my contract and see what it says.