Redundancy Overpayment

Milkshock

Hi

Just looking for peoples opinions here.

I was made redundant at the end of last month from a public sector role after 16 years service. My redundancy package totaled 22k.

For some reason, no doubt a clerical error, I was paid twice - therefore received two payments via BACS of 22k, total of 44k. This was not the bank's error, as I received two invoices from the organisation, so its clearly a mistake on their part.

I am now off the payroll, and have no contractual obligations to said organisation.

If these people do make claim on the money (and I'm assuming they will), how likely would it be for them to pursue it (i.e. would it cost them more in legal fees to pursue it than what they would get back from me and therefore potentially put them off), and indeed if they did pursue would the worst that could happen to me be a CCJ? Bearing in mind I already have a mortgage and credit cards, I'm not sure the the effect of being credit blacklisted would be worse than having an extra 22k cash in hand.

Lastly I did have a serious issue with the way I was treated by the organisation in question particularly towards the end - so any moral arguments being made to me will fall on deaf ears - I'm looking purely to protect myself legally and financially and would be quite happy to keep the money!

Thanks

hcb42

They will pursue it, it is £22K

You owe it, unquestionably, so if you don't pay it back, or are unable to pay it back, then yes you can expect a CCJ when the time comes.

You will also need a reference from these people, I presume.

michelle1506

Hello,

I am guessing that they could involve the Police for theft, or even sue you for the sum of money?

For what it's worth, I don't think that you got a terrific settlement after 16 years of service. I am public sector worker and was only offered 16k after 10 years service which I turned down, as I would have got limited maternity pay and would have had great difficulty in finding another job whilst pregnant!

So much for us public sector workers get massive payouts! You only need to look around on this board to see that some in the private sector are getting very nice redundancy payouts!

Milkshock wrote: »

Hi

Just looking for peoples opinions here.

I was made redundant at the end of last month from a public sector role after 16 years service. My redundancy package totaled 22k.

For some reason, no doubt a clerical error, I was paid twice - therefore received two payments via BACS of 22k, total of 44k. This was not the bank's error, as I received two invoices from the organisation, so its clearly a mistake on their part.

I am now off the payroll, and have no contractual obligations to said organisation.

If these people do make claim on the money (and I'm assuming they will), how likely would it be for them to pursue it (i.e. would it cost them more in legal fees to pursue it than what they would get back from me and therefore potentially put them off), and indeed if they did pursue would the worst that could happen to me be a CCJ? Bearing in mind I already have a mortgage and credit cards, I'm not sure the the effect of being credit blacklisted would be worse than having an extra 22k cash in hand.

Lastly I did have a serious issue with the way I was treated by the organisation in question particularly towards the end - so any moral arguments being made to me will fall on deaf ears - I'm looking purely to protect myself legally and financially and would be quite happy to keep the money!

Thanks

hcb42

I'd take £22K and the pension from the public sector any day of the week!

Milkshock

michelle1506 wrote: »

Hello,

I am guessing that they could involve the Police for theft, or even sue you for the sum of money?

For what it's worth, I don't think that you got a terrific settlement after 16 years of service. I am public sector worker and was only offered 16k after 10 years service which I turned down, as I would have got limited maternity pay and would have had great difficulty in finding another job whilst pregnant!

So much for us public sector workers get massive payouts! You only need to look around on this board to see that some in the private sector are getting very nice redundancy payouts!

clearly this is not a criminal matter - i have not stolen from anyone, the only way they can pursue this is through the civil courts.

with that in mind im wondering whether they will bother and how much taking me to court would cost them

hcb42

Let us know how you get on.

Gordon_Hose

lol, I can't believe you're even thinking of keeping it tbh.

michelle1506

Milkshock,

I'm not sure if this is a criminal matter or not? After all if the sum of money is not paid back, then there there does appear to be an intention to 'permanently deprive'.

Milkshock wrote: »

clearly this is not a criminal matter - i have not stolen from anyone, the only way they can pursue this is through the civil courts.

with that in mind im wondering whether they will bother and how much taking me to court would cost them

hcb42

I just wonder at the wastage in the public sector sometimes. Grr.

michelle1506

Then I wish I could share my pension statement with you! You might just get a shock :mad:

Personally I am fed up with all the public sector worker slating that goes on in these forums. All I ever did was apply for a job that was advertised. We did not cause the mess that the country is in today. Blame the governments! :mad:

hcb42 wrote: »

I'd take £22K and the pension from the public sector any day of the week!

Milkshock

companies will not hesistate to throw people on the scrap heap

we are just numbers to them - dont ask me to treat this overpayment as anything but a figure, i cant get emotional about it.