Applying for one's own job???

[spacedog]

I work in the NHS. My post (like many similar and identical others) has just been agreed for an upgrade to the next payscale. Unlike the other postholders who have simply had their posts re-graded, I have been told I may have to interview for my post. And that it will go out to advert.This is because certain senior people have been involved in this upgrade who cannot interfere in other post decisions. Therefore different 'rule' for this post.
This is a permanent position I have held for a few years. I have 20 years consecutive NHS employment with no issues, execllent appraisals etc. The job title and description, duties etc will remain completely unchanged.
Where do I stand here? What happens if I apply for it and don't get it? I think this may be against employment law but need advice please.

Hi Spacedog, I can only speak from my experience. My company did a similar thing a few years ago, they "re-branded" all the roles in our department and everyone had to re-interview for their positions.
However, they didn't open the interviews to people outside the dept.
There used to be 15 people working in my dept...now we're down to 3! At this particular time they told 5 of my ex-colleagues they hadn't been successfull a week after the re-interviews, told them to go back and clear out thier desks and they had to leave immeadiately (We work in a high security role so they tend to get a bit concerned about "Corporate sabotage").
I was one of the "lucky" ones who got to keep her job but then I took a union rep with me to my interview and subsequent meeting...I don't know if that made any difference but I'm still working for the blood-suckers!...and looking forward to them struggling for a year whilst I enjoy my maternity leave.
If I was you I would definatley have a word with your union, just make sure you know exactly where you stand before you go in for the interview but at a geuss I would say that they are likely to be doing everything aboveboard even if it is completely wrong. Large corporations don't like to leave any loopholes.
Is there anyone in a senior position you can talk to privately about this, get their advice on how to approach the interview?
Hope all goes well

I'm also NHS. If your current job will no longer exist, they have to ring-fence you and can't go out to advert. We often make people interview as well though. However, if others in the same position haven't that would seem unfair. Check with HR and staff side.

You are in a post. The job title, duties and job description are remaining the same, the current job is staying, but the post is going to get a pay rise? There is no restructuring or headcount reduction?

I have no knowledge of NHS procedures but it sounds completely unreasonable to advertise jobs that are occupied by someone and just getting a pay rise, and especially unreasonable to advertise it externally.

I can't see that there's any 'decision' to be made here. If there's someone in the post and the post is getting an upgrade to the next payscale, why does there need to be any decision about the postholder? Different people being involved in the decision shouldn't make any difference surely?

I emphasise again I know nothing of internal NHS procedures, but if they advertise your job and appoint someone else either internally or externally, it sounds as though you may have a case for constructive dismissal.

I would suggest you speak to HR, emphasise that everyone else involved in the process is staying in their post, hope that common sense prevails and take it from there.

The job title, duties and job description are remaining the same, the current job is staying, but the post is going to get a pay rise? There is no restructuring or headcount reduction?

Yes, that's completely right. The HR Business Partner has since been consulted by my manager- I am told they say that a simple re-grade process (as per the other posts)is sufficient. Although if the management want to go down a recruitment process that will get the upgrade pushed through quicker.

I have told my manager I wish only to be treated the same as all my colleagues, and that a re-grade process is preferable. That the other process makes me feel undermined (what will the people I manage think when they see my post advertised? etc) and vulnerable. My manager thinks this will be ok so I'm waiting to find out. NHS employment practice is very much on the side of the employee in my experience and I'm pretty convinced what they're suggesting is bogus.

Thanks for the advice, will keep you posted.