staff being asked to reapply for jobs - can they ask for redundancy instead

Yesterday several people at my workplace were let go - myself included. I have no rights as such as I had only been there for 20 months. Of the 4 "full time" positions ( I had been on short time since February) on our department this has been cut to 1 full time and 1 part time and the 2 remaining staff have been told they will have to apply for those jobs, but they have not been told what the job description/conditions/salaries are. In our shell shocked state yesterday we did wonder if this could be classed as redundancy, the existing postions are gone, despite the fact the new postions would be more or less doing the same work. Both staff have been there a number of years, one for over 25 years and I know that person had previously indicated they would take redundancy if offered.

Any thoughts/advice appreciated.

It sounds like redundancy to me. What is the plan if the employees involved apply for and do not secure a role?

There is no plan as far as we can tell, the jobs are not being advertised,the 2 staff involved were just handed generic application forms to complete. I don't think the company has really thought it through, such as what if they refused to apply for the jobs, there are no grounds for dismissal, if they do let them go and then readvertise the jobs surely the company are opening themselves up to a claim against them.

That said, they are grown women and it's up to them what they do.

It sounds like they are opening themselves up to an constructive dismissal claim which if heard under the auspices of the EAT could lead to either of reinstatement, re-enagement at same terms and conditions or settlement for dismissal of up to 2 years salary. They need to get their act together.

Thanks Deas!