Redundancy / reinstatement issue

giganto

Hello.

I'd be grateful if someone could offer some advice on our situation.

My wife was made redundant recently, last day at work 31st August. Her employer was reluctant to let her go, but the company she was contracted out to went into administration, and her employer at the time had no other positions available for her.
She received all her redundancy pay and PILON, no problem.

She signed on and received JSA, as she was actively seeking work. attended 3 interviews.

Six weeks later, her area manager called and offered her a temporary mobile position until a site became available where she would have first refusal, which she has accepted
She was offered continued service, provided she reimbursed the company the payout and balance of PILON, which she hasn't as yet. A new site has become available, but at almost a 20% pay cut, and longer hours.

Now the problem.
She received her P45 from the jobcentre to give to her employer.
This states a date of leaving (ie signing off JSA) as 14th October.
The employer must fill in her start date.

How can they offer continued service if there has been a break, and in that break she claimed and received JSA. It would look as if she was a benefits cheat.

If service is not continued, then she would lose out on 14yrs service if she has to reimburse.

Any advice anyone?
Thanks

giganto

Nobody have any input on this?