Possibility of voluntary redundancy - currently on long term sick

Nervalslobster

My organisation (local government) had an emergency meeting on Friday and they are looking for people to take voluntary redundancy. I am currently on long term sick, but want to take this up. 

I am currently on half pay as a result of being off for over six months - will this affect my statutory redundancy payment? Also,  how does this affect my pension? I’m 61, with 26 years continual local government service, and have paid into the local government pension scheme for 30 years. 

Nervalslobster

I should clarify - I intend this to be a precursor to early retirement and would be looking to take my pension. 

gwynlas

It would appear to be a good thing if you could access your pension and have sufficient to live on. You do not say what your prognosis re sickness is but if well enough you could get a part time minimum wage job fpr additional income. I was made redundant at 52 from NHS and accessed my pension,30 yrs. so was able to manage fairly well. I have thought abput additional work on a number of occasions but would be taxed so it does not seem worth it

Nervalslobster

My sickness prognosis is not good. I’ve recently been awarded ESA in the support group since going onto half pay, and I’ve also been awarded PIP (standard rate both) as a result of my illness. So voluntary redundancy could be a godsend. 

Plasticman

If it's voluntary severance the amount offered and terms might differ from statutory redundancy. You need to check the terms with your employer. If your health condition is a serious one you could be pushing your employer for ill health retirement which would mean that your LGPS pension (assuming that it's LGPS that you're in?) wouldn't be reduced if you take it early. Not sure how likely you are to get that or whether you'd be able to survive on half / no pay while you try to make it happen. 

Have you got a pension forecast and can you live off the amount you'd receive? 

diystarter7

Plasticman said:

If it's voluntary severance the amount offered and terms might differ from statutory redundancy. You need to check the terms with your employer. If your health condition is a serious one you could be pushing your employer for ill health retirement which would mean that your LGPS pension (assuming that it's LGPS that you're in?) wouldn't be reduced if you take it early. Not sure how likely you are to get that or whether you'd be able to survive on half / no pay while you try to make it happen. 

Have you got a pension forecast and can you live off the amount you'd receive? 

Hi

True where I worked years ago.

I applied and just knew I would not get it as I did a great job and at the time I rarely took as sick day off. Those that got the voulnteer offer where those often on sick leave, the favoured and those that some at the top did not get on - it felt like a kick i the teeth to me. A few years later I left due to a big health scare, no redundancy etc.

OP, good luck to you but you can apply on a now obligation basis but check. You can then decide and best to seek informed opinions/etc. It all depends on how old you are etc, how long you have been there and your grade/job title etc - so apply on a no-obligation basis and see what they offer. NB: The above paragraph is not aimed at you and I wish you the best outcomes at work and your health.  Personally, if you are able to afford it, leave.

Andy_L

Nervalslobster said:

My organisation (local government) had an emergency meeting on Friday and they are looking for people to take voluntary redundancy. I am currently on long term sick, but want to take this up. 

I am currently on half pay as a result of being off for over six months - will this affect my statutory redundancy payment? Also,  how does this affect my pension? I’m 61, with 26 years continual local government service, and have paid into the local government pension scheme for 30 years. 

AIUI stat redundancy is based on what you actually earn ie it will be affected by being on half pay.

However this is somewhat irrelevant as
1. voluntary redundancy can offer whatever they like as long as it is  ore than statutory 
2. Local Gov is likely to have contractual terms covering redundancy rather than statutory minimum