Being made redundant after returning to work from maternity

Rebecca5833

Hi

I work in the travel industry which is one of the hardest hit due to covid 19. My company i work for is making over 4000 redundant. I have been there 9 years and have been offered voluntary redundancy. Due to my record with lates (crashes and closures on the motorway) and sickness due to stress and being told you cant come to work if you have a cold, my score is very high as the company is not taking into consideration my maternity which was a period of a year over the 2 year period they are looking at. Most other ladies who have returned after maternity got the email to say they are at risk too. I have had to apply for voluntary redundancy as if the company give me compulsory redundancy i will loose £11,000 which I will need having a baby under 1. Are big companies aloud to do this? I am extremely worried for mine and my family's future. Or could i have any protection?

Many thanks for any replies

lincroft1710

Employment law is no different for large or small companies.

Providing due process is followed and there is no discrimination of a protected characteristic, then anyone whose role is no longer needed or no longer exists (and is thus redundant) may be considered for redundancy. 

There is no recognition of "voluntary redundancy" in employment law, so if you would receive more than a statutory redundancy payout, it may be worth considering.

Thrugelmir

Historic "records" are a fair criteria when determining which employees are at risk. Particularly when there's sizable numbers involved. Voluntary redundancy is a way of shaking the tree. Many people are attracted by the jam today of a large payout. Often to their own detriment in the longer term.