How can I help my Dad?

lizzydarcy

I had a rather gloomy call from my father today. After over 36 years working for the company, he is likely to be made redundant. To be honest, I don't know how likely it is but he is rather gloomy.

What has happened so far is that his company has rounded everyone in the office up and advised that pending consultations with the union that jobs will be going in the next couple of weeks.

I think the timing is brilliant ... right before Christmas, just what Santa ordered.

My Dad has already given up hope even though no decision has been made. He's around 5 years away from retiring, has several mobility and health issues following a crash a few years back and co-workers in his office have already been dropping hints that he should be happy to finish work because it means he can look after himself better (Office Politics at its best.)

However, he cannot afford to lose his job. My mother's pay and his disability will not support both of them and he reckons at his time of life combined with his health would mean no employer would look at him twice. It's a rather bleak picture.

To be frank, I'd be happy to see my Dad work less. He has been doing his health no favors since the crash but I know why he does work so hard because he is the main earner in the family.

Having been on the dole myself twice, I know how hard it is at the moment. I cannot imagine how much harder it will be for my Dad. I don't think he would have a clue where to start writing a CV or searching for work online particularly since my parents do not even have internet access at home.

So here I am trying to ensure I am ready to help if needed and I've no clue myself on what I can do for him. I really hope someone can help me.

Pee

Look into what benefits he would be entitled to with the benefits checker and how much redundancy, if it's good news share it with him. Does your mum work full-time? Probably be hard for your dad becoming a house husband, which is a completely sexist and ageist although I'll be delighted if I am wrong. What does he do? Is self employment an option?

lizzydarcy

Pee wrote: »

Look into what benefits he would be entitled to with the benefits checker and how much redundancy, if it's good news share it with him. Does your mum work full-time? Probably be hard for your dad becoming a house husband, which is a completely sexist and ageist although I'll be delighted if I am wrong. What does he do? Is self employment an option?

Thanks for your reply. I doubt I would get good results with the benefits checker - a lot depends on savings and I have no idea there.

My dad job is sort of hard to define but a lot of it is data entry and admin type duties. Self employment would be quite a hard option for him. He's had the job since long before I was born but doesn't really discuss work at home because of policy.

As for my mum, she works full time. She's actually the elder and is very close to retirement. She was planning on taking it due to other circumstances in the family. Whether this will change that, I don't know.

whitewing

I think sometimes companies make people redundant around this time as Christmas helps them focus on something else. Of course, it is never a good time and it can be a huge shock. I know of people in their fifties who were made redundant during the recession who found other jobs fairly quickly, and others who have had opportunities to change the pattern of their lives after redundancy. It may not be as bleak as it probably feels to him.

marlot

It's tough. For many men, work helps to define who they are, is the centre of many of their relationships and even the threat of losing your job is a big blow. If it happens, he will go through much the same emotions as a bereavement.

The benefits system works well if you have no (or only small) savings, but can be extremely cruel to people who have worked for 30-odd years, and have been putting money aside for a rainy day.

His emotions will be all over the place. It sounds like the most useful thing you might be able to do is link him up with a job club if there's one in your area? They would be able to help him with his CV, interview skills etc.

dandelionclock30

He can get JSA for the first 6 months irrespective of savings, after that it means tested. He may also be able to claim DLA, if he has severe enough health issues, this may be worth looking into.
You can get the forms for DLA on line and you can apply for JSA either online or by phone.
Sorry to hear of your Dads worry, all he can do is sit tight and wait and if the worst comes to the worst sign on and look for work. How typical of people in the office to say that he should be pleased to go.Thats totally spot on with the workings of offices.

Scorpio33

I have been made redundant twice before and I am currently going through it again.

The worse aspect of it is the emotional side of things - it is like a bereavement. So the main thing I would say is concentrate on that - on his frame of mind. Be there for him, make him be realistic and help him in a way he would appreciate. The effect on self-esteem cannott be underestimated.
To me the thought I always kept in my mind was that I will get another job - it just depends on when.

Apart from that there is the practical side of things, but make sure you are only giving help if he wants it. He may initally see you helping him as a sign that he cannott cope and will hit his self-esteem further. But I would research as much as you can - what benefits he may be entitled to, what potential jobs there are for him, what potential retraining options there are, what support is there for him.

Whatever happens, you need to let him know that he needs to face up to the issues as soon as possible. Perhaps the first step would be to maybe getting an appointment with CAB / Jobcentre? Alternatively, his work may offer outplacement support - use them, they are invaluable.

Good luck.

Pee

I think he should get some money as a redundancy payout, too, so well worth looking into that.

Dunroamin

Will he be able to take his private/occupational pension early?

marlot

If he wants to challenge the selection process then he may need legal advice. My house insurance gave this to me, and it was very helpful to talk to an expert - my company made a mistake and I was able to hold the process up for a month. Doesn't sound much, but that was another month of pay for me, and a bit more time to get my CV and such like together.

Its worth asking the employer for outplacement services. Some companies do; most do not. Mine didn't.

I spent all my time applying for jobs, thinking that I could back date my jobseekers application for a week or so. I found out the hard way that you cannot.

marlot

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

He can get JSA for the first 6 months irrespective of savings..

This is true, but only to £71 a week, and it is taxable.