Just been told my job is at risk of redundancy - can anyone offer any advice?

[lookingforadvice]

I was called into work yesterday out of the blue and told my job was at risk of redundancy. There are 2 of us at risk, we both hold the same job title although our roles are slightly different. I also work 3 days a week whilst she is full time (5 days), can they base the redundancy decision on the fact that they say they need a full time person to do this job, or can they say my job is safe if I up my hours or agree to work full time. I have been with the company for almost 10 years, and haven't had a new contract for ages so have no idea what they would offer as a redundancy package. Is there such a thing as a statutory package and if so how would I go about finding out aht this is. I have a scheduled meeting with my director next week to discuss this situation what sort of questions should I be asking? Thanks in advance - have never been in this situation before and the news has come as a bit of a shock.

Sorry to hear this. Have a read here, it's a section all about redundancy, with links about selection, redundancy pay and other useful information.

In terms of your part time status, you can't be discriminated against as such, so you can't be selected for redundancy because of your part time status, but if there is an objective reason why your employer needs someone full time, then that's fair enough.

It might depend on the reasons for the redundancy situation. If workload has gone down, obviously they'd save more money by making your colleague redundant and keeping you, assuming the work remaining could be done in 3 days.

But if there is a job to do that is currently being done effectively 8 days a week, and there will still be a heavy workload, it would be reasonable of them not to want to reduce below 5 days a week if they don't have to.

Hugs LFA, Dh had the same thing yesterday night- has to reaply for job but minimal chances.

The ACAS website is always very good and they have a helpline which is great if you have questions.

Hi flowerybeanbag - thanks for that, have had a look on there and also ACAS - thanks peachy. Just another question - if I have company benefits - e.g company car how is this worked into the redundancy package?

Benefits aren't taken into account I'm afraid. Your benefits would end on the day your employment ends, and redundancy pay would be based on your salary only, unless your employer offers anything over and above the statutory basic in the link I posted earlier.

Benefits could continue though if you get Pay In Lieu Of Notice (PILON). If your contract has 3 months notice for termination then the Company will need to pay this and continue benefits to the end of the period - at least thats what my Company is offering. Final date is 2nd April but PILON is paid for 3 months and allowed to keep car / fuel card for next 3 months. FBB is right the actual package is worked out on the base salary. Fingers crossed for me as I have 2 jobs I'm awaiting to see if I'll get an offer from within so hopefully the package doesn't kick in.

That would usually be if there is no PILON clause in the contract SDD. If the contract allows PILON, it would normally be literally notice pay and nothing else.

If there is no PILON clause in the contract then paying in lieu of notice is breach of contract which is why either more is paid or benefits are continued, as effectively 'compensation'.

Hope you get one of the jobs!

Just another question! If there is nothing written into my contract does the Company have to stick to statutory redundancy notice and pay guidelines?

Yes. The statutory amounts are compulsory, the contract only kicks in if it is more generous in terms of notice or redundancy pay.

Hi flowerybeanbag - thanks for answering all my questions - you've been really helpful

Does anyone know how long your job can be at risk for?