Possible redundancy and alternative job offer

Veejjt

Hi, 

My partner was advised on Monday by his employer that they will be closing the business (they have another site in another town) and they are looking at possible redundancies. My partner was the manager of the closing branch and there is a manager at the other branch, but obviously only one position available.
My partner had his “meeting today” and was advised that he was unsuccessful in taking manager title for the other branch. However, they want him to continue working for them and offered him a job 2 levels down. 

Is this right? Can they do this? He has had nothing in writing, yet. 

They are telling him that as they have offered another role if he chooses not to accept he is not entitled to redundancy as he has refused another role. He has been with the company for 6.5 years. 

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated as this is completely stressing me out 🤯
thank you 

JReacher1

what’s the impact on his salary?

the rules are:

Whether a job is suitable depends on

• how similar the work is to your current job
• the terms of the job being offered
• your skills, abilities and circumstances in relation to the job
• the pay (including benefits), status, hours and location

If the new job is a significant pay decrease then it wouldn’t be a suitable alternative employment. 

getmore4less

Add to that location, how far away is the other town.

are they offering salary protection?

If you decide the offer is not a suitable alternative that's what you say and they don't agree it will need to go to an ET.

avawat20

A lower grade is not a suitable alterative, he may agree to downgrade if there is salary protection but they should not sacrifice his pay as it's not a suitable alternative. I advise he speaks to citizens advice and ACAS for advice in the first instance.