Can I be forced to accept alternative role?

Star1

Hi

So I'm currently 'at risk' at my current role. I've been given the option of Voluntary Redundancy, but would prefer to be given Compulsory Redundancy as I can then claim on my income protection insurance.

Basically, it looks like there is a job opening which is at the same grade and uses the same skillset as my current role. I would be keen not to apply for / accept this role as I am now very keen on the idea of taking time out to spend with my children, plus the new team is known for putting a lot of extra hours in (evenings and weekends) which would mean I would basically never see my kids and would make childcare very difficult.

I currently work 8-4 but this is an informal arrangement with my boss rather than a formal contract change. I'm pretty sure my standard hours would be 9-6 in the new role with a lot of additional hours on top.

Basically, I just want to know if they can force me to apply for / accept the alternative role or can I be allowed to sit out my time and get the compulsory redundancy? My boss is concerned that HR or the unions would kick up a fuss if I wasn't given the alternative role (despite the fact that I don't want it)

The income protection insurance is £500 per month for 12 months so not an insignificant amount of money

Thanks for your advice

Star x

getmore4less

Your policy will probably also expect you sign on and be looking for work.

If this is a suitable alternative then there is little you can do if they offer the job, you refuse thats resigning.

Just because other do the extra does not meen you have to unless it is contractual. if it's excessive make it known thats what you think. If you have to take the job as a potentialy suitable alternative insist on the trial period and avoid the extras.

Whats the difference in package, if they are the same you could hint/say that you won't be taking VR but would not contest a redundancy situation.

Be carefull of getting caught by the just go for an interview because if you do before you are on notice thta your job has gone then this is just an ordinary job change situation and no trial is required if they offer it.
Insist on this been looked at as a potentialy suitable alternative to redundacy.

Star1

Many thanks for the quick reply. I am aware that I will have to sign-on at the job centre to collect my insurance and I'm more than happy to do that given that I will be looking for (and hopefully getting) part-time work anyway. My kids are young enough that the job centre should allow me to only look for part-time work

There is no difference in package between VR and CR, so I will raise that with the HR department.

Many thanks for the advice in the final paragraph - I will certainly bear that in mind