Being made redundant but asked to do a handover

kirstiex

After 19 years service, I am being made redundant as a result of restructure and cost cutting (from a local government employer).

I had always thought that being made redundant meant the job no longer existed but I have been asked to arrange a handover with various colleagues of the tasks that I do "as I have so much information and knowledge".

Am I obliged to do this? I just find it a bit galling that I am being made redundant but clearly the tasks still exist if I am being asked to hand them over.

Idiophreak

kirstiex wrote: »

After 19 years service, I am being made redundant as a result of restructure and cost cutting (from a local government employer).

I had always thought that being made redundant meant the job no longer existed but I have been asked to arrange a handover with various colleagues of the tasks that I do "as I have so much information and knowledge".

Am I obliged to do this? I just find it a bit galling that I am being made redundant but clearly the tasks still exist if I am being asked to hand them over.

You're confusing the tasks and the role. It seems your role no longer exists, as you're being asked to hand your tasks over to "various colleagues", not just one guy...

As to whether you're obliged to do it - no, not really. But then you're not obliged to turn up at all if you don't want. If , however, you want a good relationship with the employer, nice references and the rest, I don't think them asking you to try and get other people up to speed with what you do is particularly unreasonable...

zzzLazyDaisy

kirstiex wrote: »

After 19 years service, I am being made redundant as a result of restructure and cost cutting (from a local government employer).

I had always thought that being made redundant meant the job no longer existed but I have been asked to arrange a handover with various colleagues of the tasks that I do "as I have so much information and knowledge".

Am I obliged to do this? I just find it a bit galling that I am being made redundant but clearly the tasks still exist if I am being asked to hand them over.

You are right, one of the definitions of redundancy is that the post has ceased to exist.

However, it does not necessarily follow that the tasks have ceased to exist, and it is often the case that the reason for the post disappearing in the restructure is that the tasks have been absorbed into the work of existing employees. This may feel unfair, but it is a lawful business decision.

As to whether you can refuse to do the handover - as long as you are an employee you are required to comply with reasonable management instructions. It is unusual, but not unknown, for an employee who has been given notice of redundancy to be dismissed during their notice period for gross misconduct. I am not saying this will happen, but it would be a shame to spoil a good reference, and potentially put your redundancy payment at risk, by your conduct during your notice period.

My advice would be to behave with dignity and continue to do your job with integrity until you leave. If you really feel you cannot do this, you could ask to leave before the end of your notice. In those circumstances the employer is entitled to only pay notice to the date you leave, although some will give you the balance as a PILON, they are not obliged to.

One other thing, the employer is obliged to consider whether there are other vacancies within the organisation that you could do as an alternative to being made redundant. If you do not wish to leave this employment, you should keep asking about this during your notice period in the hope that something may come up before you leave.

It is a horrible situation to be in, and you have my sympathy, but unfortunately it is not uncommon.

cockaleekee

As long as you are still employed you may also be subject to disciplinary action if you do not fulfil a reasonable instruction by your employer. To refuse to share your knowledge would only lead to problems for yourself.

spacey2012

Do you get a teachers wage ? circa 40K
If not let them employ a teacher/ trainer.

cockaleekee

spacey2012 wrote: »

Do you get a teachers wage ? circa 40K
If not let them employ a teacher/ trainer.

Teaching and sharing your knowledge are very different things, and not all teachers get anywhere near £40,000!

ILW

spacey2012 wrote: »

Do you get a teachers wage ? circa 40K
If not let them employ a teacher/ trainer.

Rather they didn't with my taxes, thank you.

kirstiex

Thank you everyone for your replies.

I do not feel bitter as such as I understand the reasons for cost cutting. I've never been one to say 'no' anyway and I will provide a basic handover but I am just a bit p****d off that I'm being asked when they are getting rid of me!

And no I'm not on 40k ... I wish! Not all local government staff earn anywhere near that amount!

ILW

kirstiex wrote: »

Thank you everyone for your replies.

I do not feel bitter as such as I understand the reasons for cost cutting. I've never been one to say 'no' anyway and I will provide a basic handover but I am just a bit p****d off that I'm being asked when they are getting rid of me!

And no I'm not on 40k ... I wish! Not all local government staff earn anywhere near that amount!

I suspect you will get a pretty hefty pay off after 19 years.

eamon

The days of "enhanced" redundancy payouts for non senior local government employees are long gone. It will be closer to statutory guidelines than many people imagine.

terra_ferma

spacey2012 wrote: »

Do you get a teachers wage ? circa 40K
If not let them employ a teacher/ trainer.

You are giving advice that could get the OP into trouble, at the very least jeopardise a good reference.