Advice needed

beckseven

Hi, hoping someone can offer some advice. My DH has been suspended from work for something he hasn't done but having to face that he could be dismissed and an uncertain futdure with only my wage which in no way will cover stuff. I've already posted on the benefits board for advice but could also do with some advice on what else to do. Obviously dh is going to look for work again straightaway but in the meantime i need to put an action plan in place. I work 30 hours a week and have two children one at school, and my dd who is almost 2 and currently goes to nursery 3 days a week-£500 a month . My car is owned outright and DH would give his back as he has a loan on it. We have taken our xmas presents back and are going to pare back everything to the bare minimum-cancel sky etc but i am desparate not to lose our house etc..Any advice would be lovely

Plans_all_plans

Hi sorry to hear of your situation. It will probably be a good idea for you to put your Statement of Affairs on the Debt Free Wannabee board as they will be able to see where you can cutback etc.

Is there anyway (if your husband is innocent) that you can claim unfair dismissal if the worst comes to the worst? Maybe repost on the Employment Board to see if anyone on there can give advice on this.

Plans_all_plans

Another thought: do you currently claim the childcare element of tax credits? If you've previously earned too much then you may become eligible for this if you go down to one wage. Maybe look into this too.

beckseven

Thank you so much. My husband hasn't done anything wrong bless him and will appeal to a tribunal if needs be-he's a broken man but is determined to turn the situation round but I just want to make sure that all is in place and organised. I will post a SOA on debt free wannabee and say 'strip it all down!' I can live without anything if it means keeping my house and uprooting my kids. On the plus side the kids prezzies are already bought and paid for are are my nieces and nephews which makes me happier! I have ebayed a load of stuff too to get some extra income.

Counting_Pennies_2

Do you use Child care Vouchers through your work salary scheme, if not this will be worth a good saving for you, as the money is taken out of your salary before tax is paid (as I understand it), so it will make a saving for you.

Has your OH already signed up for agencies? I would search for as much work as you can, it might need to be temporary work due to the problems you might get with references. Has he other jobs he can get references from.

Not sure of the reasons for the suspension, but they could prove tricky when looking for similar work.

Does your OH have a union attached to his employer? If so look to see if he can get representation to help him through this stage. If not does he have any witnesses prepared to stand up for him during his hearing at work?

Have a look on the Old Style Board for advice on how to keep monthly shop down to a minimum.

Have you looked at your Gas and Electricity to keep them down to a minimum? Switching suppliers?

A friend recently paid some money to have her radiators fitted with valves on each radiator. This means some times just one room in the house is heated, keeping the costs down. She puts the radiators on in the bedrooms half an hour before they go to bed to warm their rooms up. I know it is money now, but might save it very quickly if you have a sizeable house.

I am sure others will come with much more help.

Good luck

peachyprice

Have you spoken to your mortgage provider?
You can ask to go onto interest only, or reduced payments. As long as you are paying something you won't lose your home in the short term.

beckseven

Thank you so much for the great advice. I love MSE so already use the childcare vouchers. we are just shellshocked at the mo having the carpet pulled from under us so I just want to take control and help things along. I love the old school board and went to Aldi today and loved it. Dh is going to go on Monday and do our weekly shop as I've alwasy done online Mr Ts before due to us both working long hours. Tha's reassuring that it takes a while to be repossessed.

MatyMoo

Hang on, you said he had been suspended. Surely there will be an investigation and then a disciplinary meeting. These may not result in him losing his job, especially as you say he hasn't done anything wrong.

The first place I would be posting is on this board:
/forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=141
Especially if he has been there more than 12 months as he has rights and the company must follow certain procedures to the letter or they open themselves up to unfair dismissal and a tribunal.

I do understand that you may want to plan for the worst case scenario though, especially this close to Christmas

I hope things turn out better than you think.

mum2one

I would def look into the issue, - is ur husband in a union, as they may be able to advice, plan B, I'm guessing you own / buying the home, have a look if you have legal cover, I can never remember which it is, contents or buildings.......... if you do, ask if they do employment law, as they may be able to step in now. Also speak to ACAS (or the website) and make sure that the employer is following the correct procedure.

Can your husband obtain any proof as to his innoncence, sometimes it may seem a silly piece of paper but its that peice of paper or document, or policy that could make all the difference.

If the worst happened and your husband was dismissed, - as long as he has paid enough NI stamp, he would be entitled to make a claim for 6 months under job seekers allowance, ok that may not be the route you want to take, but it would also protect your husbands NI contributions etc.

As for employment tribunal, if you did go down that route, you have 3 months from the last incident to bring the claim, (you would have to check if that was the sacking or if your hubby appealed the sacking and this was re-assessed that hearing may be the last one (I'm not 100% sure which one would count), at the tribunal as your hubby would have been sacked the burden of proof is on the employer to prove that they were correct - they would give their eveidence 1st.

Personally I took my ex-employer to tribunal, I resigned, but sued for unfair constructive dismissal, I eventaully took an out of court settlement, but I had to represent myself, as it was too late for me to go through the house insurance, - but its options to maybe think about even in a what if situation. xx

beckseven

Thanks for the fab advice. I know i'm probably looking for the worst case scenario but just need to get my head straight with soI can deal with any challanges put our way. He will def go to tribunal. Belt is now tightened and trying to remember that this will make us stronger!

southoftheriver

Sorry no advice but just wanted to say good luck whatever happens and well done for proactively trying to deal with things rather than just being angry and burying your head in the sand.