Extension of redundancy period

bex_h70

Any guidance appreciated.
My husband works for a supermarket (2yrs) and they had originally advised that the consultation was complete and a date of 28.03.20 was given as the end date. Figures for exact redundancy pay were given but it seems not an official letter.  My husband secured interviews for just after this date and all was well. Until the COVID-19 situation kicked in at this point the employer extended the consultation period by 8 weeks and staff were told if they had any roles lined up each case would now be reviewed individually. Interview was successful and husband has secured a new post. After contacting HR they have made it clear that they will only honour the redundancy payment if the 8 weeks are worked but we are uncertain whether the new employer will accept this and also if the current employer will actually honour it and not just extend the period again.   The process has already been pretty sketchy and not very equally weighted. My husband is a night worker and the day staff were given more dedicated time to work on questions that were used to rate them and also the questions were all geared to customer facing areas which do not relate to the night role.

Do we have any options? Can they really alter the dates and not honour the payout? I know a job is better than not having one but seriously unimpressed with the employer. 

ThePeopleDirector

First step would be to ask for a copy of the notes made during the meeting, that will confirm what was said and if there was any talk of termination dates etc.

Xbigman

They can extend redundancy, particularly if there is an unforeseen and obvious business need as there is right now. Unless there is a clear commitment to pay redundancy to early leavers you are on a loser. Comments made by HR or management, even if in writing, that say anything else are meaningless. Your Husband can complain but is unlikely to get anywhere.
Given the current employment climate and the fact he's only talking about 2 weeks redundancy pay you should be grateful he has a job to go to and move on.

Oh, and night shift workers (which I've been for 33 of the last 35 years) never get as much time or attention as day shift workers.

Darren

lincroft1710

As I have often posted, redundancy pay is not a loyalty bonus, it is a payment to help financially until the next job is found. Your husband should be concentrating on getting started in his new job. 

Whilst there is still work available, employers are expected to keep staff, so the consultation period can be further extended