New job nonsense
Question
My department was made redundant but a few of us were offered other roles within the company. I was offered a different job in a new location with a much lower salary. If I didn't take this role, I would have been made redundant too. Should I have been kept on the same salary?
Answer
When a company makes posts redundant it has to offer suitable alternative employment if it is available. There aren't really any set rules as to what is classed as 'suitable'. In your case, where the reduction in income is so great, it could well be argued that the reduction and the move to another site means the new job is not suitable and you are therefore entitled to a redundancy payment instead.
You can try the new job for a four-week trial period before deciding if it is right for you. If you don't want to continue in the new role, you are still entitled to a redundancy payment but you must tell your employer before the trial period ends.
It may also be worth arranging a time to talk to your employer, with a view to finding out if you have any other options. For example, you may be able to agree a schedule for reviewing your pay or getting more training if you take the new job on, so you know you have something to work towards.
Being on a lower income may mean you are eligible for financial help such as Tax Credits or Income Support, depending on factors such as your working hours, household income and savings. You can use an online calculator to get an idea of what you may be entitled to.
Updated: 12/08/2010
Question answered by CAB
