" Suitable Alternative"

Nick_Sellick

Hi,
I am about to be made redundant and need clarification as to what is deemed a suitable alternative post. I currently work in a location that is close to home and fits in with my inability to drive due to poor eyesight, and our childcare arrangements. It is possible that I will be offered a post at a different location about 8 miles away.
As I don't drive, there is no public transport and I don't want to work at that location, would I forfeit the small amount of redundancy due by refusing the post?
I would rather find alternative employment and keep the redundancy money than travel further to a job I don't want to do.
Thanks for any help.
Cheers
Nick

Pricivius

You will need to ask your employer whether they consider it to be a suitable alternative. If they do, you should then set out why you think it isn't. Either you will come to an agreement with them or you won't. If they insist it is, and you insist it isn't, they may refuse to pay your redundancy pay on this basis. You can then take them to tribunal to ask the tribunal to decide whether it was a suitable alternative or not.

To support your case, you should provide evidence that you are not allowed to drive, demonstrate the lack of public transport and compare your crrent journey with the new journey. One tip is not to exaggerate times, cost or distance as it lessens your argument. Childcare is less clearcut as arrangements are often flexible and other accommodations can be made, perhaps by changing childcare hours or your partner's hours, for example. It's worth making the point, though, just not as your only point.

I'm afraid there is no magic number of miles or time taken or any other formula which defines a suitable alternative. It comes down to personal circumstance.