Redundant after 2 years ... what now?

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potlatch

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Last week, I was told my position is being made redundant. Prior to this, messages from my line manager and HR about my employer's willingness to find an alternate role in this medium-sized business were initially positive, but became more ambiguous. Having explored these options internally, it's now clear that no such position will be made available. It seems to me that my employer, in the context of restructuring, is making all the right noises, but fully intend for me to leave the business.

I have been given 12 weeks' notice. The timing is not good, as we have for some time been in the process of selling our house and buying another, which, for legal reasons is taking time and no closing date has been set. My employer said that they would not wish the redundancy to negatively impact this, but it very well may due to a change in my employment status.

What has been offered, in addition to 12 weeks' notice, is statutory redundancy (€3,300) plus €1,700. While I'm aware they are not obliged to give an ex-gratia payment, I have no idea if this is satisfactory as this has never happened me before. I feel it's not enough as the area of work I'm in is small and highly competitive, with limited options, especially given I'm new to this area as I made a career change. I have a family to support.

Further, I have been told that on receiving the written redundancy offer, I will have 30 days to query it; on consenting, I will be expected to sign a form which, I'm told, will mean I consent to waiving any rights to take some kind of action against them.

This has all been said to me verbally. Nothing has yet been put in writing, nor any process or steps that will be taken. Am I expecting too much?

Any advice would be much appreciated.
 
Thanks. I've read this and everything I've been able to find. What I'm interested in knowing, based on others' experiences, is what the sources don't tell you.
 
potlatch said:
Thanks. I've read this and everything I've been able to find. What I'm interested in knowing, based on others' experiences, is what the sources don't tell you.
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I'd make a few points, based on my own and some others' experiences:

- this is a small country, and if it's inevitable you will be leaving, you should try and do so on good terms
- if you feel you're being singled out for some reason, you may have a case: everywhere your employer has not followed procedure will strengthen your case, but see first point
- offers tend to (and should) follow precedent in the same organisation: has there been any, and if so how does it compare?
- there's no harm at all in asking for them to consider increasing the offer, but keep in mind, it's already more than they have to offer
- no harm in speaking to a HR expert, to get their view on it

Hope that helps!
 
Even if there was a possibility of any other action, compensation would only be for any loss of net earnings after social welfare and until you find another employment and any such case could take up to two years. In addition, as above, its a small country and as you said a specialised area.

I'd be getting my cv refreshed, have it on the books of various agencies and start applying for other positions. Your current employer is obliged to allow you time off to attend interviews.

Little to gain from any agressive approach and a lot to gain from accepting their decision and ensuring no untoward comment is made to another employer.
 
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