Redundancy Vs. Early Redundancy (medical)

Flaffenbam

Hi,

I have found myself in a conundrum which I can not decide the best, or any, decision on.

I was recently signed off of work for a two month period with mental health issues and within a week of returning to work we received the news that departments in my office would be closing for relocation elsewhere in the UK. Great news to be welcomed back to I know.

Being taken aside by HR I was given a few options, carry on as normal and await my redundancy package, the same but with the offer of private health care for the remainder of my time with the company (this was withdrawn shortly after) or the option, due to circumstances, to leave the company on medical redundancy grounds.

Having discussed with my GP and my therapist they both agree that as I do wish to work that the offer of early redundancy would be a bad move as I would require to be signed off from work and therefore unable to look for further employment. However, due to my current frame of mind and the obvious atmosphere/tension and gossip in the workplace is having a detrimental effect on my frame of mind.

The last paragraph aside I was wondering if anyone had any ideas whether taking the offer of early redundancy would affect the amount I was entitled to, etc.

Any assistance appreciated as I am having trouble coming to a decision and struggling to find any information online.

Andy_L

I'm guessing you mean early retirement not redundancy? The amount you get on depends on the pension scheme rules

Flaffenbam

No no, meaning due to my situation medically they were offering a redundancy package early but did not elaborate any more on what it would be, seemed to be waiting for my decision before giving any information. Due to the nature of my problem I am too worried to enquire with them any further without getting "ammo" so I don't feel so hopeless/helpless.

I am 28 and enjoy working, not quite ready to retire just yet ;-)

Hope this makes it a little clearer, if not my apologies. My understanding/knowledge on this is somewhat lacking.

anamenottaken

Flaffenbam wrote: »

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone had any ideas whether taking the offer of early redundancy would affect the amount I was entitled to, etc..

I am unable to comment on value of company redundancy schemes which enhance entitlement above the statutory level.

If you were only getting statutory redundancy pay, then, if you were to complete another full year of service between taking early redundancy and the "normal timeframe" redundancy, you would receive one week's pay less (at your normal pay rate or £450 if that is less than your normal pay).

Of course you would also lose your pay for the extra employment time forgone.

A company scheme is also likely to be based on completed whole years of employment and may not have a cap on weekly earnings - but you do need to get the scheme details.

Flaffenbam

If I understand your post correct they can't offer any less than if I left now over working for an extra month, possibly two. Would rather see the back of it sooner rather than later, as I know my girlfriend would also.

They are doing the legal minimum timeframe with the redundancies as their minds were already made up, and I can't blame them for their reasons for closing shop up here.

anamenottaken

Flaffenbam wrote: »

If I understand your post correct they can't offer any less than if I left now over working for an extra month, possibly two. Would rather see the back of it sooner rather than later, as I know my girlfriend would also.

They are doing the legal minimum timeframe with the redundancies as their minds were already made up, and I can't blame them for their reasons for closing shop up here.

The minimum timeframe they are going to work with may or may not affect the payment received.

The minimum statutory payment depends on your completed years of service.

As I see it, unless you would pass another anniversary date (from the start of your employment with them), the redundancy payment will be the same.

Flaffenbam

Thanks for the assistance Anamenottaken. Just couldn't been playing on my mind on what to do and without having any previous knowledge or information has made it difficult to come to a decision and obviously I can't discuss it with those at work without getting a biased opinion.