Voluntary Redundancy - what can I expect?

unimaginative_one · 30 August 2011 at 1:48PM

I have worked for my current employer for just over 2 years (2 yrs 4 months)

For 14 months of that my salary was approximately £18k, then I received a promotion and am now earning around £27k.

I'm currently off work on sick leave (fully paid for up to 6 months) following emergency surgery. I'm just entering the second month of absence and expect to return after that. I will however be going back to hospital for further surgery which will probably use the remainder of my sick pay entitlement.

So far, I have yet to take any of my holiday entitlement this financial year.

During my absence, I've been informed that the company I work for has written to all employees (my letter is in my in tray at work...) advising staff that significant cuts need to be made and they are considering all options including voluntary redundancy.

My question is, how much can I realistically expect to be offered if I put my name forward? Am I correct in assuming that voluntary redundancy would give me more leverage in terms of achieving a mutually agreeable settlement than forced redundancy? Also, I've read mention of voluntary severence. What is that and how does it differ?

My position would certainly be one they'll be looking at closely and my current absence is giving them a period to see how well they can cope without me which is a little worrying...

Thanks in advance for your help.

Jarndyce · 30 August 2011 at 4:00PM

Your question needs to be directed to your employer. They are entitled to offer whatever VR terms they wish. As you have only been there two years though, I wouldn't expect more than £1000-£1500, if that - statutory redundancy pay would be £800 (assuming you are over 23 and under 41).

If I were you I'd be more concerned at getting over your surgery and keeping your job.