At Risk of Redundancy

AnxiousMum

Hi all - was hoping I'd never have to post here...but here goes.

About a month ago there was 'stage one' of redundancy at risk meetings - I was safe in that round. Today, the unfortunate news that due to planning, budgeting etc. over the past few weeks, there is a stage two, and I am now 'at risk' along with every other person in the company who has a similar position.
Our company is coming across as being one of the good ones after reading some posts on here. Notice of a booked phone call (we are not all office based), info given on the phone, backed up by emailed letter which I will receive a hard copy of in tomorrows mail. A meeting set up with myself and GM next week, with a representative from the HR company that we use in attendance for accuracy, report taking etc. One month's consultation period, full job descriptions made available after the phone call etc. I really do enjoy my job, and I will be applying for it again. I am fairly confident that I at least have a good chance of retaining it.

However, should I not retain it - I've been told that there would be one month's notice given as I've been with them over two years. I've been with them for three years now, live with my partner who earns approx. £30k per annum, and we have five children. How does JSA get awarded here if I'm going to be applying for it? I'm know it's nowhere near as generous as it is at home in Canada - 80% of salary for one year (to a max level of course) - but what would I expect to receive whilst looking for a new job? I do understand that if I don't apply for a job, and I accept the redundancy, I may be seen to not be looking for work as I accepted the redundancy - but, like I said, I will apply, as I really do enjoy the job. Any constructive advice more than welcome.

getmore4less

As well as contract notice(min 3 weeks due to service) you should also get a redundancy payment tax free(upto £30k probably not an issue).

Statutary redundancy would be 3weeks(or a bit more if over 42) capped at £350pw, companies can enhance this.

You should review all your benifits it is likely that they nay increase.

Contributions JSA lasts for 6months and is automatic if you have enough NI contributions, you would need to check for means tested JSA.

AnxiousMum

Thanks Getmore4less (like your name by the way!)

I will have to look into the NI contributions for JSA - I've worked for the company for just under 3 years - no idea how much time is required, or is it a monetary value of contributions that counts or what. I'm hoping that I will get one of the jobs of course, but being home based and away from the office - there's only one that I can really apply for (my own). Unfortunately, it's also a feasible opportunity for two of the office based staff to apply for as well.

getmore4less

Contributions JSA is 2years NI I think.

AnxiousMum

Thanks again