Severance

Rachel85

I've worked for my current employer since January and we've all recently been told that there is a significant shortfall in ther income vs expenditure and that they need to take measures to cut staff costs.

They've currently offered everyone the chance to apply for severance - with the payment being 1 year's salary, tax free.

I'm tempted to go for it, as the money would keep me going at my current level of salary, until April 2011. As I've not been there a year if redundancy comes around I would hardly get any money at all But I'm unsure how a new employer might view me having taken severance - would it be a negative against me?

Call_Centre_Guru

I don't think a new employer would have a negative view in the current climate unless your employment record showed a lot of short term roles. However I'm not sure if you applied you would be successful if they have people with more service apply as it may be a cheaper option for them than redundancy. This really is a generous offer if you were successful, under goverment minimums you would only get a week and if the company looked unstable I think i would apply and hope that I got a chance to take it and run!!

Rachel85

I shoud have specified that part of the reason I am a little concerned about future employment is that my CV does show a number of short term roles (I'm in my early 20s and have moved roles to climb the career ladder more quickly - each role as been a step up rather than just cos I got fed up and moved on, althogh that is true also!).

I think you're absolutely right that I may find I'm denied severance as they'd be cheaper getting rid of me via redundancy, but its a public sector organisation and I think they will seek to avoid compulsory redundancy if possible.

My personal view is that there's no harm in applying for severance - I'm not looking to 'progress' within the organisation as I'm not really that happy there and I'd rather move to a job closer to home to start a family in the future. If I am granted severance then its probably an indication they were looking to shave jobs in my area anyway, and best to get out with a £30k 'golden goodbye' than a week's pay.

kateab

It's got to be worth a try. If you are concerned about how your CV looks, try to make sure that you stick at your next job for a year or two. I moved around a lot in my early 20s after graduating - something like 4 jobs in less than 3 years; then I stayed 6.5 years with the next one - even if THEY then shoved me through 4 different roles in that time! Since then, I have only had 3 jobs with 4 employers (I was TUPEd at the start of this year) so those jobs are tucked away at the end of my CV and easy to explain away. (Tho I rarely get asked about them these days).

kateab

getmore4less

Redunancy is not a big negative these days.

Ask for the money if you see no futrure anyway.

Still young enough for a few job moves to be talked the talk.

bendix

Go for it. A year's salary after a few months service - you'd be mad not to take it.

As for your cv . . don't worry about it. I hire people all the time and at your age I'd rather see evidence of progression up the ladder, than staying in the same role for 5years.

Jaffakake

I'd go for it. Having just been made redundant with only 4 weeks pay (capped at £350) it'd be lovely to have the cash and it would enable me to search about for something I'd love to do and also explore some other interests. If you do something constructive with the time you take I can't see an employer not finding that a plus.

Rachel85

I thought I'd post a reply for those who kindly took the time to offer me advice.

After a lot of thinking I decided to put in an application for severance. I really didn't I'd get it, but I did! I'm now working out my 12 weeks notice and at the end will receive a year's salary.

Its weird being out of work - not now helped by the fact that I had an interview for a job earlier that I'd have loved, but it was really tough and I got the impression that they were looking for someone with significantly more experience etc, etc. However, I am pleased with the outcome - so thank you for anyone's good advice.

Now all I need is a job...

LittleVoice

Thanks for coming back to let us know how things are working out for you.

Good luck for the future.