Redundancy after trial period- do I still qualify for benefits?

Sportbilly_2

In April, I was told my position was being made redundant. I agreed to take another position within the company on a trial basis, but after a couple of weeks decided it was completely unsuitable and opted to take the redundancy package that was offered. I've just finished my notice period and wanted to claim contribution based benefits, however, the first paragraph of my redundancy letter says-

Following the reorganisation in your department your role of xxx was identified as redundant. Suitable alternative employment was identified and offered to you and accepted by you on a trial period. However, you subsequently indicated you did not wish to continue in this role and resigned.

Although the rest of the letter confirms I am leaving on grounds of redundancy, I'm a bit concerned that I might not be able to claim benefits on the grounds that I've made myself unemployed. Can anyone give me any advice on this?

Sportbilly_2

Ah, the second paragraph seems to indicate that I'll be OK. I'd still be interested to hear from anyone else who's been in a similar position, though.

Grovester_2

you were made redundant so you can claim. JSA is for seeking work, they do not force you to take any role, the fact you tried a different role and it was not suitable is neither here nor there (of course you can't claim for the period you were working in the other role).

Sportbilly_2

Great, thanks. I was hoping that might be the case, but the wording of the first paragraph in my letter spooked me a bit.

LittleVoice

Following the reorganisation in your department your role of xxx was identified as redundant. Suitable alternative employment was identified and offered to you and accepted by you on a trial period. However, you subsequently indicated you did not wish to continue in this role and resigned.

The problem with this is that it says the alternative employment was "suitable" and that you "resigned".

Jobcentre staff might say this shows you were not redundant both (a) because you would have been dismissed by the employer and not yourself resigned and (b) that there was a suitable alternative with the same employer.

However, they would be able to contact your employer (which is obviously still in business) who could confirm that you were indeed the subject of redundancy.