Unpaid leave instead of redundancy

Crazy_Diamond

I have worked for my employer for 20+ years. Recently however we have struggled to win contracts and my employer is talking about reducing my hours further from my currently very part time ones or my taking unpaid leave until we win more work. I would however prefer that I was just made redundant, I would only get the statutory amount but presumably if my hours are reduced further this would be even lower.

I am wondering if I can refuse to have my hours reduced and ask instead for redundancy? I get the impression my employer would rather not make me redundant as she is keen not to liquidate the company in case more contracts are forthcoming in the future.

Can anyone advise on what my options are here please?

Tucosalamanca

You say 'only' statutory redundancy but with over 20 years service this is still likely be several thousand pounds.
If the business is struggling, you can see why it would be a last resort.

What does your contract of employment say? I would use this for guidance and the starting point of any discussion.

Crazy_Diamond

My contract does not state anything regarding this.  It is very brief and only covers salary, holidays, pension and illness.

Andy_L

"Overview

Your employer can ask you to stay at home or take unpaid leave if there’s not enough work for you.


A lay-off is if you’re off work for at least 1 working day. Short-time working is when your hours are cut.
How long you can be laid off

There’s no limit for how long you can be laid off or put on short-time. You could apply for redundancy and claim redundancy pay if it’s been:
4 weeks in a row

6 weeks in a 13-week period"


https://www.gov.uk/lay-offs-short-timeworking