Urgent help needed: Redundancy close to maternity leave

KevCan86

Hello

I’m reaching out because we’re in a bit of a tricky situation and could really use some advice.

My wife is a nurse with a large vetenarian employer (who she asked me not to name) We are in Scotland and she has been with them for 10 years, she earns 30k a year. She’s currently pregnant and was about to start her maternity leave on Monday, 15th July 2024.

However, they just announced today, 10th July, that they’re undergoing a redundancy process and have given all nurses and vets until the 14th of July to decide whether to voluntarily reduce hours or take voluntary redundancy package per attached. By accepting they aren't guaranteed to get made redundant  but it means they then get to chose who they want to keep or who to make redundant. If you don't accept the voluntary emhanced package then you are at still at risk of only getting the statutory package instead of the enhanced package outlined.
The date when redundancy would be effective is the 31st of July.


We’re really concerned about the timing here and there is a lack of guidance about where she stands legally and what her rights are this close to Mat leave.

Her Mat leave would have been 6 months at 90% pay then 3 months of Statutory and I believe then a 3 month salary bonus paid if she returned from Mat leave.
Hence the deal outlined leaves us significantly out of pocket and potentially leaves her to go on the job hunt after her Mat leave.

This situation is causing a lot of stress, and we’re looking for guidance on:

- Her legal rights regarding redundancy and maternity leave
- How the redundancy process should be handled, especially given her impending maternity leave.
- Immediate steps we should take to protect her rights and job security.
- Any potential remedies or legal steps we should consider.

I’ve attached the notice from employer that outlines the redundancy options and deadlines. Any help or advice you can provide would be hugely appreciated, as we need to make decisions quickly.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Kevin

Brie

She needs to talk to her union.  She (and you) will likely get some useful info here but it may not apply to Scotland, it may not apply with mat leave etc.

Talk to people who actually know.

(I'd say it's all down to when she's on mat leave versus when the redundancy is but that's me on the south coast and not ever been in medical employment)

edited to add.....breathe......breathe.....don't panic and remember to breathe.....and congrats.

Hoenir

Have you read this? 

Redundancy protection for pregnancy and new parents

https://www.acas.org.uk/redundancy-protection-for-pregnancy-and-new-parents