Do I have to accept 'alternative position'?

Sloganjerry

Hi all

Haven’t posted for awhile as I’m simply working out my redundancy notice at present till the end of June – 3 weeks to go! But as my leave date looms I’ve been looking into when I can sign on, etc. You’d think it would be straight forward but I’m getting a bit confused with all the conflicting advice. No-one seems to be able to give me a straight answer?!

Colleagues of mine who left before me said they went and signed on straight away (they were paid PILON). But when I asked our HR officer he said that I won’t be able to sign on until August as my contract is still binding until then and they could call me in to work anytime between when I leave and when my contract ends?! It was unlikely but that I shouldn’t sign on or start work anywhere else just in case?!

The redundancy letter I have does say that my contract finishes in August. But I won’t be paid anything further after the end of June when they give me my final pay (including my redundancy and 5 weeks PILON). So surely this would mean I’m paid up and finished with them when I leave at the end of June?!

My HR officer has got things wrong before so it wouldn’t surprise me if he doesn’t know what he’s talking about but I also don’t want to get into trouble or have to pay back benefits I shouldn’t be claiming if he’s right. So my question is “When should I sign on?”

If anyone can give me any advice on this I’d be really grateful. Thanks so much guys! :beer:


P.S. Daisyf - are you finished work yet?!

daisyf_2

No still at work - four more weeks left but have three weeks really as have a holiday. Went for a good meeting with another business organisation for free and that was very helpful. Not sure I can help you with the answer but do you think you could ring the DSS or whatever they are called now to give you guidance xxx I would imagine it is your end date of payment xxx

Sloganjerry

Ah well - Another week nearly over! Sorry for not responding sooner but haven't had time to visit the forum for a few days. Thanks for responding and for your advice daisyf - I guess that means you've now only got just over two weeks left to work. At least the time is passing by fairly quickly now. 6 weeks seemed such a long time at first.

Anyway, I'm probably going to wait till I finish work now and then visit the job centre to enquire further about claiming benefits. I'll let you know what they say as I'm sure there will be others in the same position as me.

Speak soon guys! :beer:

daisyf_2

I have three weeks left to work but one week I am on holiday - i must admit that the 12 weeks has been dragging along - had a mini panic this week about having so much to do - but less panic as business cards and logo have been ordered and website is starting to be built - also had news that someone else wants me to do some part time consultancy for them on a two month one day a week basis = good news xx

realshannon

been following this with interest - I would contact Jobcentre Plus straight away when you finish, or even now, and find out from them and them only, its their specific business. think they are open till late and once your claim is being processed etc, they will work out your PILON, etc etc - I used to do this years ago - you can backdate claims but it is very strict and one of the main reasons people state is that "they didnt know when to apply" or something similar which isnt a good enough reason to backdate a claim, it is up to you to find out but if in doubt, make contact and get the advice asap - we used to request payslips and P45 so we could work it all out. Holiday pay was also looked at - if you are, in effect, being paid holiday pay, that would exceed what your benefit would be so you wouldnt get anything for that period. You mention you are a carer? that is also something you need to advise them of, dont forget website "entitled to" might help a little - best of luck

getmore4less

realshannon wrote: »

been following this with interest - I would contact Jobcentre Plus straight away when you finish, or even now, and find out from them and them only, its their specific business. think they are open till late and once your claim is being processed etc, they will work out your PILON, etc etc - I used to do this years ago - you can backdate claims but it is very strict and one of the main reasons people state is that "they didnt know when to apply" or something similar which isnt a good enough reason to backdate a claim, it is up to you to find out but if in doubt, make contact and get the advice asap - we used to request payslips and P45 so we could work it all out. Holiday pay was also looked at - if you are, in effect, being paid holiday pay, that would exceed what your benefit would be so you wouldnt get anything for that period. You mention you are a carer? that is also something you need to advise them of, dont forget website "entitled to" might help a little - best of luck

PILON and holiday no longer affects payments, termination date is the date used.

daisyf_2

9 days left to go and I am counting the days - working hours I seem to do get less and less xxx

Sloganjerry

Ha, ha! Sounds like you're counting the hours and minutes just like me daisyf!

12 working days left for me now! :T

daisyf_2

I am and is in my diary from my 12 weeks notice I worked out how many days i had left new beginnings to start - but time is coming up quickly particularly with the holiday I have left to take lets have a joint countdown the days project

Sloganjerry

Great idea! 11 working days left for me! :j And I'm off this afternoon to the Careers Office - taking advantage of that 'reasonable time off to look for work' clause