Office closure

Undervalued

merrydance wrote: »

Unfortunately the office is opened to deal with the public. Crazy isn't it opening an office just for me. It would cost them far less to pay me redundancy.

That may be. However, as others have pointed out, you are powerless to force them to pay you redundancy in this situation. No tribunal would uphold such a claim.

You may be able to negotiate a settlement agreement with them at a lower figure. Nothing to be lost by asking but they will need to believe that you would travel there and keep working. If they think you will otherwise resign they have no incentive to offer you anything.

merrydance

It's 10/20 minutes by car. (My daughter said now and again she can take me.) 45 minutes or longer by bus/buses. The job role they are moving me to, does not exist at another office. All other offices open Saturdays only. They are having to open this office especially for me on a Sunday. Yes I will have to accept this, look for something else, or go on pension credit. A lot of thinking to do. Thanks for the useful replies. Also all this information was given to me over the phone. I've not seen anyone in person.

merrydance

Just received a copy of my contract of employment. There is no mobility clause in it. Was told my HR that it is the staff handbook. I've never seen or been given a staff handbook. Where do I stand now?

Kim_kim

merrydance wrote: »

or go on pension credit. A lot of thinking to do. Thanks for the useful replies. Also all this information was given to me over the phone.

Are you of retirement age then?
Do you get free travel?

comeandgo

There doesn't need to be a mobility clause, courts have decided what is reasonable for travel to new office and 3/4 of an hour is acceptable.

Hedgehog99

Worth getting legal advice if you've been there 18 years. When I got advice re something else work-related and mentioned that my employer could re-locate me a couple of miles away (an annoying additional travel time because of the route/method), I was told that it was reasonable for me to expect to remain where I was because of the length of time I had been there. That's the magic word - reasonable.

Then it is also worth looking in to whether their moving you would be a cause for constructive dismissal - but again, get advice before you say anything.

Best wishes xx

w00519772

merrydance wrote: »

Hi

I received a telephone call this morning to say that the office I work in, is closing imminently and they want to move me to another office about 10/20 minutes away. I do not really like the set-up of this other office, do I have to take it?I would rather they made me redundant but was told this is not possible. I have been with the company for over 18 years and work 2 days a week and overtime.

I know it must say something on my contract, which is in my file at work, just wanted to be a bit forearmed before I go in.

I worked for a company between 2002 and 2006. In 2004 I was relocated to another office (adding 28 miles to my commute). They paid the additional commuting costs for the first six months and then I had to pay it thereafter.

merrydance

I am 60. No state pension until 66 these days. My hubby is 70 he could claim the pension credit for me. The amount would be what I earn now. The thing is hedgehog they are closing my office, so can't stay there. I would never had taken the job on such low pay if I could not have got there easily. I walk most times now.

unforeseen

Hedgehog99 wrote: »

Worth getting legal advice if you've been there 18 years. When I got advice re something else work-related and mentioned that my employer could re-locate me a couple of miles away (an annoying additional travel time because of the route/method), I was told that it was reasonable for me to expect to remain where I was because of the length of time I had been there. That's the magic word - reasonable.

Then it is also worth looking in to whether their moving you would be a cause for constructive dismissal - but again, get advice before you say anything.

Best wishes xx

I somehow don't think that keeping an office open for one person could be considered reasonable in any way shape or form.

merrydance

The thing is hedgehog I can't stay where I am now, the office is closing. No travelling expenses or wage rise has been offered. I had 2 phone calls from the company telling me their plans. No chance to sit down and talk with them, the letter I received said I could bring someone with me if I wanted, bit difficult over the phone. Also one of the days is a Sunday, public transport here on a Sunday is horrendous. Thanks agrinnall just read you nice sarcastic comment.