Going back...poss being made redundant...any advice?

[Corrin]

Hi Everyone

Went for my return to work conversation on Monday and was not prepared to find out that I may need to consider a 'package' as there are no real opportunities to return to.
I'm a senior manager working 3 days (went part-time after babe no.1) and was planning to return again after no.2 and am now having to think about taking redundancy.
I know my rights and that I have to be offered a position as am protected by law.
Thing is I have maintained a good salary and the little research I've done means that living in Midlands, finding a 3 day a week well paid job is looking near enough impossible. Also, I have not put any thought in to what else I might do until now (something different/re-train) so don't know where to turn.
My kids are the main focus in my life, but I remain quite career oriented and like the independence it affords me for 3 days a week.
Feeling a bit shell-shocked may not have my job back so looking for any advice or ideas you may have...
Thanks....

[SherlockLGJ]

Not very good at this sort of thing.


But keep it bumped someone will know.

[alicatsg]

first thing is to get a lawyer who can tell you what you're entitled to and how to move forward. Be prepared- as good a reln as you have with your employers you are now going to have to push hard to get the maximum payoff you can - its about separating the people from the company in your mind.

Have the issued you with a risk of redundancy notice? that should be their first step that then sets out how long the process will take (ie them finding you alternative employ) and what their initial offer is if they are unable to. You then have the choice to either take whats offered and walk away or to move to a compromise agreement where you push for more - a lawyer can advise on this.
IF you go the compromise route don't forget things like provision of a computer/outplacement counselling/health cover etc as part of the package.

They will try to restrict you looking for other work by putting in a clause about you haveing to declare any expectations of employment. I would ignore that myself and get looking,

So sorry that you're in this situation - I've just come through it and it isn't much fun, but well worth getting a lawyer and following their adfvice.

Good luck

[Corrin]

Thanks alicatsg...
I spoke to a solicitor briefly after my meeting. She gave me some intial pointers and then said if I wanted to see her once I had the offer to get back in contact.
She said I should maintain with the co. that my intention is to return and that any package should be spelt out in terms of salary, bonus, pension etc. and that they should also detail what role they would give me on my return.
Were your little one/s at nursery? Are they still going? I really like the fact my little girl goes to nursery, she gets so much out of it...I'd hate to take her away now, she's 3 and has been going for 2 years and has a good network of friends.

[alicatsg]

my situation childcare wise is a bit different in that DH is a SAHD so I didn't have that worry just the pressure of being the only breadwinner (which sharpens the mind I have to say!).

Your solicitor is absolutely right. Until they give you that risk of redundancy you have to push as if they haven;t had the informal conversation. Accept nothing that isn't in writing. IF they try to have the conversation again insist that its on a "without prejudice" basis (that means that anything you say can't be held as binding - so if you were to go to tribunal they can't turn round and say on x date she said she was only interested in cash... ) and don't accept/agree to anything without talking to the lawyer.

Also if they go down the redundancy route you get to take a colleague or union rep to the meetings. I didn't and it might have been helpful.

it feels awful but to be honest it was absolutley the best thing that happened to us for ages.

[Corrin]

Everyone of my friends says that it could be a great thing...open new doors, chance to move, do something new etc. Doesn't feel like that right now I have to say, have always been on equvalant pay to dh not sure about that all going...but am a believer in fate and will have to hope it sorts itself out.
Thanks for the advice, find remaining unemotional/rational about things I care about really hard, think this will be challenge for me, but don't want to be taken for a ride.

[alicatsg]

I know what you mean - I struggled with that too and the challenge is that the people on the "other side" really struggle too. Its best to be straight about what you want to get out of the situation, your lawyer should be able to give you a feel for what you could be entitled to financially.

I'm a great believer in things happening for a reason. I would NEVER have sought being made redundant, it is a really hard thing to go through in my view, but now I can honestly say it got me out of a situation that really truly wasn't doing me any favours (and also paid for a new sofa...!)