Starting new job whilst on notice period following redundancy.

BTRNT

Hi,

I was recently made redundant by my employer. I had been on furlough since January. The reason for the redundancy is that there isn't enough work available for the amount of staff working at the company.

As expected, I was made redundant and I have 6 weeks notice period, however, the manager has not stated in any redundancy letter or meeting if that notice period is to be worked. It's confusing because the reason I was made redundant is because of lack of work so I'm not sure how the company can expect me to work the notice period if the jobs simply aren't available.

I received a job offer a few days ago, I am willing to accept it and move on but then again, I'm not too aware of the rules regarding notice periods following redundancy, if I am not expected to work the notice period, am I still able to accept a new job offer and begin work?

Thanks all.

Thrugelmir

Your employer is paying for your labour. If they so wished they could call you in to work. Give them a call. They maybe more than happy to terminate your employment earlier. 

getmore4less

More importantly if they find out they can withdraw the redundancy completely even if you have had the termination letter.
Withdrawing the redundancy can be unilateral, you can still keep to the notice and leave

The correct procedure it to counternotice(if within statutory notice period), lose the notice period pay but keep the redundancy if they agree to the early termination.

Username03725

You need to ask your employer what would happen in the hypothetical event of you being offered a job that requires you to start before your agreed end date. The simple answer is that it depends on how your employer wishes to play it. I'm going through the same thing, we got that clarified v early in the process to benefit those people who have 3 months / 12 weeks notice period and need to know.

Grumpy_chap

The old employer could require you to work during the notice period but, as you set out, it is unlikely.

Depending on the employer, if you ask them, they can respond in one of three ways:

• Tell you to carry on and wish you luck along with congratulations on finding a new job
• Tell you to carry on but take back the notice pay or try to take back the redundancy
• Point blank refuse

The other alternative is to just start the new job and hope they don't find out.  How likely is it the old employer would find out?

I am not recommending any course of action, just setting options as I see them.