It finally happened- redundant

londoner1998

Hi
sorry, re-reading my post I missed something- the positive outcome (if any) is that I might be allowed to apply for proper jobs (permanent or contract) within three months from the redundancy date instead of the twelve that currently applies. Not sure I will want to consider to come back so early, or at all, to be honest, but at least there is an alternative option for employment where I know some people and how things work.

Yes, it is shabby how they treated me, but at least they finally admitted to it. I guess I feel good not just because of the three month rule, but because I finally am out of it: I have come to the conclusion that this is the time to develop, really develop somewhere else where my attitude and hard work can be appreciated and not just taken for granted. By no means I have been the only one unfairly treated (600 of us), but I have been the only one who has fought to the bitter end, mainly because I loved my job and I was proud to work for the organisation (whose work is great, but the way they treat their employees worse by the minute). I walked home excited and I have already lined up three people to speak to about jobs in the outside world, plus another coupe of applications to submit- about 5-6 for this coming week. It is by no means the end. My partner is a bit down because the college where he works part time have cut down the number of his apprentices, which means £150 less per month. That is very tight for him . I told him not to worry, this was long time coming and he freelances anyway the other half of the time. My redundancy month (just over £10,500 for five years of service) will last me about 5-6 months and I am tightening the spending a lot at the moment (almost as if I know this was going to happen, during my time in India I stashed a fair bit of things: toiletries, ayurvedic medicines I use, teas and things for the house at fantastic prices , which means we won't spend anything on shower gels, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, tea or beans for 6-9 months). I am optimistic about the future and as you say, it is good to be out. It feels good, after the initial shock.
Who knows what's next?

tizerbelle

I agree that you are being a tad naive regarding the "reduced" 3 month bar on applying for other roles in the company.

Why do you think it is 3 months? How does that compare to the time limit for ET claims being 3 months less 1 day? Why can't you apply now if they feel they have done so badly by you?

I suspect they know that the roles they have made redundant are roles that they will need to refill in the future and like many clever employers they will wait over 3 months before they do so no one can claim unfair redundancy etc and they got shot of the staff they wanted out.

They may well say its so you dont have to repay any redundancy money - complete tosh. What company wouldn't want to get back money they had paid out if they could?

londoner1998

That might be the case, Tizerbelle, or not. At the moment we can come back after three months as freelancers, but not on contract, permanent of fixed term. They did ask me what is it that I want out of it, and I still have to write to them with all the specifics and a summary of the last meeting , and whatever it is that I want.
To be honest, I am past wondering and worrying any more. I know how they operate: I fought as hard as I could and in the end, this is what I have in my hands. I am relieved that I am going to be able to breath and get a fresh perspective and who knows, may be get a better job elsewhere. Believe me, for these people to admit that it was not fair, it is in itself a victory, even though my job is gone now. So I see your point, but considering what I have gone through , I consider even that positive in itself. The thing to do now is to open my mind to new opportunities and make sure I use the situation as a development opportunity. If and when I decide I saw a job in this company that I want to go for after three months, that is not a problem for me either way, it will be my decision. It might sound as if I am taking crumbs from them, but I feel good about finally being able to move on after a whole year (to the day) of battling with management and seeing how in this institution staff are treated like a sub-class.

tizerbelle

londoner, apologies if my post came across negative but this isn't a victory for you per-se. It is them trying to keep you on-side to cover their backs - keep you sweet to protect them. You having to write to them with a summary of the meeting and the specifics is more of the same - that way they have it in writing from you to them saying how you are happy with what has been explained and why would they want you to do that? For protection again - why couldn't they write the letter? They were at the meeting and usually the employer controls the correspondence. Trust me I am not some embittered employee, I am an employee who has to cover HR functions within the company, I can see what they are doing and why without even having to refer to the employment solicitor we use for complex issues.

Your last sentence is very telling though

how in this institution staff are treated like a sub-class

why on earth would you ever want to go back? As a freelancer you'd have even less job security and wouldn't be treated any better. You are better off as you are doing, treating this as a positive opportunity to change things in your life, move on, forget them and begin the life you want.

Good luck, keep the positivity and I wish you well in your ambitions. As for the inconsiderate partner, not the worst he could have done so not worth stressing over but if there is a next time just smile sweetly and say "So what are you cooking her for lunch then?"

londoner1998

No problem, Tizer. My Union rep is dealing with the case and she is writing on behalf of the Union, as well as myself. The letter is to highlight what has gone wrong, because this goes beyond HR to the higher echelons. Even HR admitted they were powerless to help, because the domestic vacancies are not communicated to them in the International section so they don't get to hear where we redundanciees could be placed. Unbeliveable but true. So people from 26 different countries are being treated as if they belong to a different company with half the rights. Being a Union rep, I have an interst that things get better even after I am gone. In my case, I doubt I will be bothered to go back as a freelance. Don't care too much for it, although i know people who have done that and are much happier. We are a media organisation so freelancers come and go as their assignments demand and don't care too much for the internal politics. If ever, with a proper contract of employment after a while- I really need to see the outside world. I am already researching the competition and keeping a very open mind. So who knows, I might have to agree with those who say this could be a time for better things to come! What I have noticed is that I don't feel like a huge weight makes breathing difficult every day at 9 am!! My partner was just a bit stressed, as his salary is taking a temporary know too. But we are reviewing the finances together and I am sure we will be fine. He is confident I will be ok and is being a huge support. His mum came for lunch and at 59 she is entering a golden time: she has read some self-help books as is a new woman, she is glowing!!! It was nice to see her, she had lots of good advice.

Thanks all for your support, let's see how things go.

Ax

patman99

Just one question, why the hell would you want to work for a company that has no idea how to treat it's employees ?.

No matter how good they are, they are not worth working for unless they realize the people on the bottom rung are more important than those on the top.

gibson123

Londoner good for you, that's the attitude, get yourself doing something really fulfilling as quickly as possible to get your confidence and self esteem back and don't look back.

londoner1998

Hello all

I thought I would post again with an update. My old company managed, incredibly , to mess up up until the very end: on pay day (which is normally the 15th) I got some £1,121 in my account, which was strange as my contract ended in January and I was waiting for my redundancy lump sum. I queried it and it took them ten days to find out that I was actually not being paid anymore (for how long would they have continued paying me???) and that I was owed a substantial amount of money. Still, no paperwork on the post, P45 or anything like that.

The money finally came in today (I was getting dangerously close to bill payment times)... together with an invitation for interview next Wednesday with a very large company from the outside world!! I applied last week, late in the evening after having gone for coffee with a senior colleague whose job is also hanging off a thread. I had applied for a more junior position, but I saw this one at the last minute and decided to go for it. We'll see what happens, but I am excited!!
I'm still a bit worried about how competitive it will be or whether I will manage in a commercial setting after five years in the public sector), but I am hopeful...

Ax