Long one

Nual

I am posting partly to work it through for myself, but would welcome advice.

I work in the public sector and have been with the same employer for 23 years. I will be 60 in a few months.

In autumn 2013 I was told my post would be going as part of a restructuring exercise ( spans of control). I then had a formal interview with my line manager reiterating this and that they wanted to keep me, that there would be another job for me. I did not receive anything in writing about this, and my enquiries with the Union confirmed they had not been notified of my post going, but in April 14 I was told by a more senior officer ( than my line manager) that there were 3 jobs on offer ( at the same salary) and to choose which one I wanted. This would be via the redeployment process.

None of the posts were similar to the one I held, but in a panic I chose one, went through a semi formal interview process and was appointed to the new post in June 14.

The post is grant funded, and in February 2015 I was told that as the continuation of the grant had not been confirmed my post was again at risk, and I was on notice of redundancy. I raised the issue of formal notice ( given the shambles last time) and my new manager said he wanted to do it properly. I and other team members then received a formal notification and then met with HR and the manager and were taken through the redeployment process.

The grant funding and continuation was confirmed in April 15 and the post formally confirmed by letter until 31 March 16. Now I am facing the whole process again, no clarity on if grant funding will continue beyond this date. If not I will be in the redeployment pool again.

A few months ago the Director asked me to apply for a newly created post at the next grade up. She said she didnt want to poach me but ...Then I had an accident, broken bones etc. I applied anyway, and had the interview while on sick leave but no-one was appointed.

I have had enough, the whole thing stinks. I am back at work but having to keep going whilst not knowing if I will have a job after 31 March 16, be back in the redeployment pool etc. My mental health is really suffering but I need a higher income than I will get from my pension + ER/VR.

Thoughts / suggestions appreciated

Kynthia

You can't change the fact your current role is only funded a year at a time and it sounds like this uncertainty isn't something you can live with. I'm assuming you don't want to leave your current employer yet as you'll lose your long service and very good compensation payment should you ever be made redundant. I'm surprised that you won't be able to live on your pension as I would have thought it was due at 60 but perhaps your plans require you to work until later. Although could you retire at 60 and then suppliment your pension with a part time no-stress job? That leaves applying for internal positions that aren't grant funded. Is this a possibility, are many advertised and do you think you could successfully apply for any?

Nual

Pension isn't due until 65, but if i took ER/VR there would be no actuarial reduction for taking it early. It just isn't enough if i go in March 16.