Redundancy - Alternative role offer - How long to decide?

bamroberts

I've been given my redundancy warning letter and had the first half of my consoltation sessions, in this session they did a skill assessment and we discussed what both my existing and ideal career paths. I have a strong feeling I will be offered an alternative role within the company at the next consultation meeting this Friday.

My question is this, is there any legislation on how long I should be given to decide on taking any alternative role offer made, to for example compare market worth and career options?

Also I wanted to know if there are anything I can do to protect myself from being offered a ‘duff’ role that has the right job title but would essentially 'force' me into resigning / new employment soon after?

Many thanks for any help.

Ben

CFC

If it is a suitable alternative position you may forfeit your right to redundancy payment if you turn it down. You have a 4 week trial period from the date that you start it (when your redundancy notice period would commence). If it is a duff role you can give it a go and then turn it down within 4 calender weeks, but you need to state why it is unsuitable.

sorry, in a hurry, hope that's clear enough.

DanishP

Hi Ben

I am not aware of any legislation on how long you should be given to decide whether to take an alternative role.

I would suggest asking for a job description of the alternative role - it has to be a suitable alternative role with similar terms and conditions (i.e if you're a Finance Manager on £40K it is unreasonable to be asked to be offered the role of Junior Sales Admin on £20K as as suitable alternative role (e.g. duff role).

Please do be aware that if you are offered a suitable alternative role with the same terms and conditions, e.g. salary, etc and you choose not to accept the Company could take that as a resignation as they have fulfiled their legal obligation in offering you suitable alternative roles where available.

Having looked at the job description and you agree if it is not a suitable alternative you should raise this with them then and there. If you believe that it is a suitable alternative you are legally entitled to a 4 week trial period (for both you and your employer).

You haven't mentioned whether your organisation offers enhanced redundancy package or whether it is the statutory amount (which may not be that much depending on service - it's currently capped at £330 per week). You should be able to find more information on the www.berr.gov.uk website.

Hope this helps and you get the result you want.

DP

cameliamc

If I was told I will be made redundant, and now there is 2 jobs in other department I can apply for those jobs or I don't have to?
Just want to check what is the difference between company offering me different job and and company letting me know about other jobs I will have to applied for and go for interview?

getmore4less

You have to be carefull.

If they say there are these jobs, you apply and you get the job before the notice of termination you may be deemed to have just accepted the new job and no longer have the posiblity of redundancy.


A lot of places do this sort of redeployment to bypass the redundacy process for a lot of their workers.

They may try to avoid paying you redundacy if you on't apply by saying you have resigned.

Until they give you notice your job will go and you are on notice of redundancy you still have a job