early retirement

4paws

Edinvestor asked my wife's age, just turned 51.

debt_free_chcik
((Post back with any more information))

In April, the company (large National) sent out letters asking for approximately 60 staff to take voluntary redundancy (under 50) or early retirement (50-60) in her work place. With all 60 staff leaving the business by the end of May 2006.

Enclosed with this letter, was a ready reckoner to loosely work out the financial side. Those under 50, would receive xx number of weeks pay for length of service. Those over
60 would receive an other deal (they already receive a pension). The 50-59 would receive, 6 months pay and a pension each month (head office to confirm amount). Also
looking in the union rep's current rule book also confirmed this, plus 90 days in lieu of notice and 5 weeks holiday pay.

Sunday just gone, my wife was taken into the office and informed that the computer had crashed and was unable to give her a final print out. The chief manager dealing with
voluntary redundancy also mentioned then, that in April 2006 the pension law regarding 50-55's had changed (as mentioned in this topic). So she probably was not entitled to a monthly pension. Has this came as a shock, We though we would ask you knowledgeable folks.

At the moment we are awaiting the unions ruling on this matter (because their rule book still states a monthly pension is payable). The company has not announced publicly any changes to the workforce regarding this matter

Our problem is, the paperwork for early retirement has to be in by Friday this week. We do not want to jump ship and find that there is no monthly income.

Thank you all for your help
4paws