Redundancy Pay – Ex British Rail in Private Sector

philstephen

Hello,



I'm after help on redundancy from those employed by British Rail prior to privatisation in the 1990s and then had their employment transferred over to the private sector under TUPE. Ideally anyone who has taken redundancy or perhaps in say a union in an advisory capacity and able to share.

My particular situation: I'm currently aged 55, started with BR in November 1988 (i.e. coming up for 27 years service). In 1997 the section of BR I worked for was acquired by another business. Those that transferred over kept their BR pension, safeguarded travel facilities and start date of employment dates back when they started with BR. We never signed up to any sort of new pay package during the acquirement, to the best of my knowledge the pay remained the same during the transfer. Subsequent promotion has of course seen my pay rise.

We have just been advised of redundancy with no possibility of an alternative position. Most people in the company are non-BR and I am guessing will be offered the statutory redundancy pay based on age and length of service with possibly a small bonus on top. I do plan to get my union (TSSA) in to advise me as an individual. However at this stage, they cannot assist until I gather facts from the first consultation meeting which is scheduled next week. Unfortunately, with only 3 union members out the 70+ in the company, the union cannot represent us collectively. And in any case I am the only ex-BR member of staff now represented by the union, the other two are not on ex-BR contracts.

So, based on my current salary of £27,800, age and length of continuous service, what sort of redundancy payment would individuals regard as a reasonable offer?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

CKhalvashi

What is in your contract?

You have a statutory entitlement to £12825, however your contract may stipulate more.

getmore4less

Statutory would be 20years @ £475 £9500 plus the age related bonus 1/2 weeks which will be 14 or 15 depending on birth date, 14 is £3325

the 1/2 is for 42 and over(complete years over 41) so for 55 that 14years might get to 15 years if you hit 56 by the qualifying date.


You would have to go back to the previous BR packages and if they still apply or you have to negotiate for a better deal.



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philstephen

Thanks to all who have replied - I was already aware of the statutory amounts and worked out to figure similar to above. However I don't have my original BR contract to hand, I've requested a copy as that should have been handed over during the business acquisition around 1997. I am guessing the redundancy terms weren't laid down in the contract. Was just after any feedback from those that worked for BR and have subsequently been made redundant based on similar circumstances. I have heard of redundancy payments in the £30K region for those that have had 30+ years continued service and leaving on a final salary of £45K. However, I'm not expecting that much, just looking for someone who maybe in a similar situation.

For what it is worth I started off in BR on a CO2 grade which ex-BR clerical/managerial staff will be familiar with.

Thanks.

CKhalvashi

I've never worked for British Rail, or any of the successor companies, so I don't know, just giving pointers.

It may be worth negotiating higher instead of kicking up a fuss on the consultation, but this would need to be done as a group, which may be difficult.

I can think of several times that negotiations have paid off, however, again none of which I have personal experience with.