Voluntary redundancy and voluntary severance are they the same???

knithappens

seems stupid i know but i keep re reading the letter i was given last week on redundancies, my school is looking to make redundant 10 teaching staff this academic year and a total of 30 in the next 6 months, they simply do not have the budget to employ as many staff, as wee are merging schools, throughout the letter is jumps between stating that it is a redundancy process but then refers to it being voluntary severance.

I have until wednesday to express my interest and they will get back to me and i have until friday to let them know if i accept voluntary severence which will be statutory redundancy plus ex gratia of 6 weeks wages which for me will be £5250.

I know voluntary redundancy I will be entitled to make a claim for income support ( i have a child under seven and want to take a few months to look for a suitable job rather then jump in) and child tax credits but with accepting voluntary severance would this be the same?

any help appreciated

getmore4less

A voluntory severence could be interpreted a mutual aggreement to terminate the contract.

Make sure your termination letter says terminated by reason of redundancy.

That should keep the state happy.