Redundancy and benefits

Ninjawombat

Hi all,

Just a quick question..

If I were to accept voluntary redundancy, how would it affect any benefit claims I make? (such as job seekers allowance)

I know people that have had issues claiming in the past as they have been noted as having left work 'voluntarily' when they haven't, in actuality.

Basically, I have two options - I accept VR or I refuse it. If I refuse I then go into a consultation period where I would most likely (my boss has told me this) be made redundant anyway as there is simply no job any more.

Liz1966

When our offices was closing down we had a representative from Job Centre Plus attend and she told us that redundancy is the same whether it is voluntary or compulsory and it does not affect your benefit entitlement if you choose to leave under voluntary terms. This is because they acknowledge that in most cases voluntary is simply an alternative to compulsory.

Andyboy

i would check that the terms offered for voluntary and compulsory are the same. If they are then wait for comp unless you are desperate to go and thus want to try and ensure you have a good chance as voluntary.

As for jobseekers you should qualify for contribution based JSA if you have over 2 years NI contributions. I and others have plenty of useful info on My Redundancy Diary in this forum if you wish to look.

Good luck in whatever you decide. :undecided

Ninjawombat

Andyboy wrote: »

i would check that the terms offered for voluntary and compulsory are the same. If they are then wait for comp unless you are desperate to go and thus want to try and ensure you have a good chance as voluntary.

Not sure what you mean here.

The terms are always different for voluntary or compulsary. If I go voluntarily, I get a better package than the standard compulsary one. Why would I want to wait for comp and get less money?!

What do you mean 'ensure you have a good chance as voluntary?'

And thanks , I'm actually quite happy about the situation as I was going to hand in my notice at the end of next month anyway.