VR Dilemma

Jellybaby123

Hi,

I have recently been told my job is at risk of redundancy. I am currently in the 45 day consultation period, this due to end 18th March.
Voluntary redundancy was opened up and I enquired about it but felt at the point in time with no job lined up it was not the best option for me. I therefore did not take this any further. The VR option has since closed. However I am now in the last stages of securing a new job offer (I know its not 100% confirmed yet) and think it is a better option for me personally to move into this new role. My question is, if I were to leave is there anyway to approach the VR offer again.now that the VR window is closed? I begrudge leaving without getting the money that was available to me 2/3 weeks ago.

Is there anyway I could request that I am made redundant?

Thanks

lincroft1710

Redundancy payments are intended to provide an income until you find a new job, they are not a "leaving bonus". Strictly speaking jobs are made redundant, not people.

You can only ask your employer if they would extend their scheme to accommodate you.

Jellybaby123

Thank you lincroft1710

This makes sense. The union are due in this week to discuss the criteria of how the redundancies will be decided.

I just worry if I was to approach this issue would I be breaking any rules or regulations? I wouldn’t want this to be deemed as some sort of bribery or anything along those lines! Am I within in my rights to ask if I could be considered for VR now that the deadline has passed.

lincroft1710

Voluntary redundancy has no legal standing, it is a matter of agreement between employer and employee. Your employer will either say yes or no.

But do remember that if your employer gets wind of you obtaining a new job, they will probably say no. Also a reference request from your prospective new employer may result in a less than favourable reply if your employer decided you were playing the system

DoctorStrange

I suggest a quiet word with the person making the decision on who will be let go. Don't mention the new role at all, but hint at some "personal issues" or "trouble at home" which might prove a distraction and you'd hate for anyone else to lose their job if you're not 100% focused.

With only a couple of weeks to go, I wouldn't mention VR as there doesn't seem much advantage in doing so. Instead, you're letting them know there'll be no issues if you're selected and then leaving them to hopefully select you.

Then you can try to explain to your new employer that you're unable to hand your notice in for a couple of weeks, but that you believe you will likely be let go soon and can join then. Obviously with the new employer you don't mention redundancy, but instead play up the the challenges facing your current employer and how critical you are to a smooth handover. This will show you're loyal and committed even in difficult circumstances, and recruitment can take so long most managers won't mind waiting a few extra weeks rather than start again.

HOWEVER, please be aware this is a high risk game! The rewards can be worth it but the downsides cannot be ignored. How would you feel if you were made redundant and then the new job feel through? Do you really want the new job or is it just handy due to the timing?

If you really want the new job and can see a career, it may be better to ignore the redundancy and resign as normal.

If you're not that fussed and you're prepared to lose the gamble, good luck with it