Help please - im about to lose my job after 19 years - im a single mum

wendb69

Hi there,

I have just gone through a terrible divorce and just got myself up off the ground again (after 40K of solicitors bills). Now after 19 years, im about to lose my job, which pays me £25,000 gross. I claim single parent working tax credit and some child care which gives me around £50 a week. But, if I lose my job, where do I go and what can I begin to claim for? I own my own house and have taken on a mortgage on my own. My mortgage is £510 a month. I have 2 children under 12. Im so scared. I just dont know where to start. I know I wont get a job that as well paid, so will probably find something in the range of £15,000.

Any advice would be great.
xx

pinkshoes

Why are you about to lose your job? If you're being made redundant, then you'll be getting a minimum of 19 weeks pay if you've worked for them for 19 years, which will buy you time to get another job.

The best thing is to stay calm, as worrying won't help. Make sure your CV is up to date, then sign up with a recruitment agency for new jobs.

Unless you were overpaid for some reason, there's no reason why you shouldn't get another similar paid job if you have the skills!! You need to think positively.

wendb69

Firstly, I worked for them for 10 yrs, then worked freelance for 2 when I had my daughter (it was easier at the time)... Then I went back on contract .. so that has been for past 7 years. Im worried that if Im made redundant that I wont get paid by them as there is no cash flow (in fact I know I wont get the money from them). Where do I even start to look at getting it paid for me.. and how long would that take?

Not sure I would get similar job - im very well paid for the hours I do.

Someone has said it would take 39 weeks to get my mortgage interest paid - id lose my house in that time wouldnt i?

Just dont know where to turn... so so worried.

whitewing

Do you get maintenance from your ex?

Look on www.entitledto.co.uk to see if you could get help.

When I was made redundant as a single parent it was bad but it wasn't impossible. I didn't lose my house (and had no redundancy cover). I was paid in lieu of notice which allowed me to apply for jobs etc. You will also probably get outplacement support to help update your CV. The company I had mine at were very good. There are jobs around, don't panic.

Have a look at the Old Style thread, and maybe post a Statement of Affairs on Debt Free Wannabe (even if you don't have debts apart from the mortgage) - they'll help you cut back,, even if you keep your job after all.

whitewing

Check out the ACAS website too - that will give you some info on redundancy payments if the company can't cover them (I think, I didn't look too closely at that when I was on there recently)

wendb69

whitewing wrote: »

Do you get maintenance from your ex?

Look on www.entitledto.co.uk to see if you could get help.

When I was made redundant as a single parent it was bad but it wasn't impossible. I didn't lose my house (and had no redundancy cover). I was paid in lieu of notice which allowed me to apply for jobs etc. You will also probably get outplacement support to help update your CV. The company I had mine at were very good. There are jobs around, don't panic.

Have a look at the Old Style thread, and maybe post a Statement of Affairs on Debt Free Wannabe (even if you don't have debts apart from the mortgage) - they'll help you cut back,, even if you keep your job after all.

My mortgage is £505 a month (around that).
I get £300 from my ex - and have 24/7 care for my children.
My youngest is 9
I do have some equity in my house - but if I sell what do I do then?
I dont think we will get paid notice - as Im the accounts person and there really isnt any money. So I would have to apply to someone for redundancy (and just how long will that take).

God, its so stressful and guess there are lots of us on here in same boat.

whitewing

In fact the Statement of Affairs would be a very good thing for you to you. Start planning what you can cut back on, if need be. Make sure you know which are definites to be paid as a priority (mortgage, council tax..) and which you could go without or defer for a bit. Prioritise for using any savings if you have any as contingency.

Also get Xmas into perspective and start planning your spending or creativity there. I got made redundant in November; Xmas guilt was all in my own head.

Line up some emotional support too. I joined Gingerbread at the time and that was very good then.

whitewing

£300 from ex, plus child benefit will pay your mortgage nearly?

What are your food cupboards like? Have a look at Weezl's thread for ideas on super cheap feeding.

Keeping_Motivated

Hi I second speaking to ACAS to find out your rights.

Also agree re the SOA, its surprising how much you can cut per month and also you will feel more in control.

Can you take a payment holiday from your mortgage? Some companies/deals allow this? If not, can you change the mortgage to interest only for a little while to allow you time to find another job?

The company you work for have to allow you some time off for looking for a job and interviews.

What kind of job will you be looking for?

cazziebo

If you are sure that the company is heading for insolvency then I'd second the advice to start on an SOA now. If the company runs out of money, and can't pay you, then it could be a long wait for the administrator to pay. (could be a few months.) You will get paid, albeit the statutory minimum.

Speaking to your mortgage company early rather than later is good advice too.

Do you know if you have continuity of service? It sounds as if you may just get 7 weeks pay (1.5 weeks for every year over the age of 41 if that's relevant to you)

It's a horrible time, but for most people I know (and me!) then redundancy was the best thing that could have happened. Don't set your sights too low - your current company valued you at £25k, you may have to accept less but don't undervalue yourself.

whitewing

Could you get a lodger?

Move in with your parents and rent out your house for a year (get yourself established with some savings)?