Questions and Answers – I have been selected for Redundancy
I have been selected for redundancy, is the process fair?
Your employer will need to consult you in at least one face to face meeting, if you are affected by or at risk of redundancy, even if you are not selected. This is an opportunity for you to discuss with them and ask questions. For example, it may be provident to ask how people are being selected for redundancy, and if there is any way to avoid or reduce the redundancy’s and set out any issues you have with the process. Some employers will offer time off to look for a new job or other training and to discuss the intentions to reorganise or restructure and plan for the future of the business and how this impact you. The employer will need to show that they have listened to your concerns and questions and considered what you have suggested and attempted to come to a fair agreement with you.
If your employer does not follow the correct procedure in doing so, it may give you grounds to appeal against the redundancy.
Does my employer need to offer me an alternative job before making me redundant?
If you believe that there is another suitable job in your company or organisation then the employer is duty bound to offer it to you, rather than making you redundant.
If your employer does not follow the correct procedure in doing so, it may give you grounds to appeal against the redundancy.
Do I have to take another job with my employer?
if you are offered another job it will depend upon whether it is suitable as to whether you should accept. A job is suitable if you will get paid a similar salary and benefits to those that you currently get. If the job is a similar distance from home to your current role and the job is similar, then it is more likely to be considered suitable. The terms that you are being offered will also depend upon whether it is considered a suitable position and if so, if you have the skills and abilities to carry out the role.
Employers should offer you and you have the right to a 4 weeks trial period in any alternative job that is offered. If there is a position available it should start within 4 weeks of your current position coming to an end.
What if things do not work out in the new position?
Is my redundancy fair?
I believe my employer has specifically chosen me for redundancy, what does my employer need to have done to make the selection process fair?
Your employer cannot discriminate against you, based on a whole series of protected characteristics, that include; discrimination for age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity leave (or being on it at the time of redundancy consultation) race, religion, beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, sexual orientation, taking leave for family related reasons, for example paternal leave, paternity or adoption leave, for carrying out a role as an employer or trade union representative, for being a member of a trade union, for being on a part time or fixed term contract, if you have raised concerns about holiday entitlement or rest breaks and/or breaches of working time regulations, or concerns that you have been raised about not being paid the national minimum wage. In addition, your employer must not use any criteria that indirectly discriminates against you.
There are lots of different ways that they can discriminate either directly or indirectly on these grounds and each case will turn on its own facts. It is worth contacting FMB Solicitors to take advice if you have been unfairly selected and one of our team will give you advice on whether the process has been fair and your rights.