Redundancy Consultation

Mr007

I am at risk of redundancy and in the consultation process, my company has proposed to reduce headcount in our team from 2 to 1. The other person has accepted an alternative job in another department and started that job. I assume that neither of us are going to be made redundant and I’m safe as the one left over.  But I’m being told I’m still at risk because that person has the right to a 4 week trial and that person has decided to remain in the consultation and therefore are still 2 candidates in the selection pool. Is this the correct process in this situation? Would appreciate some advice please.

sharpe106

Yes they have a right to do a 4 week trial so if the job is not for them you are in the same position as you are now.

Mr007

Their trial ends after the consultation does. And the person has already started the suitable alternative employment. So what happens if that person scores higher in the selection process and I’m made redundant and then they decide at the end of their four week trial they want to keep the new job, would the company then have to hire someone else to fill the vacancy? Am I supposed to stay in the job until that person decides which job they want?
Also I know you have the right to a 4 week trial but I thought that was so you still have a legal right to claim the original redundancy pay if you decide the job isn’t right for you (as opposed to “quitting” the new job and losing your redundancy pay). I can’t find any information  to say you would go back into the selection pool if alternative employment isn’t suitable, as this is always usually started after redundancy is served and at the end of your terminated contract. Seems we’re in a grey area.
I suppose my point is why am I still at risk of redundancy if the other person has started alternative employment?