Redundancy

Moose · 01-10-2007, 11:08

Hi all, I know some of you have been made redundant a few times now, just wondering, how did you all find out?

First time I found out was from someone I work with, he bought a copy of Financial Times and saw Tiny Computers being split up and parts sold off to Time Computers. Needless to say, no-one was very happy that we had just a few days left and no idea if we would be paid or not.

Now, I've just had an email via works webmail telling me that I have just 4 weeks left as per my contract! And I'm on holiday too! Apparently Allied Respiratory, major medical oxygen suppliers in the south east have been sold off and the office and logistics teams will be transferred to Air Liquide/Linde shortly.

Is there any correct or sensible way in which people should be told they will no longer have a job? Whats the worst way you've been told that you no longer have a job?

Link to a brief report

Quinten · 01-10-2007, 11:17

When I was made redundant we got asked by the MD to meet in one of the meeting rooms... one half of the company in one, the other half in the another. Was a bit like the X-factor judges

Don't think they could have done it any better though. I certainly wouldn't want to find out such a life impacting event through an anonymous source like news paper, email, etc...

BobTHEDOG · 01-10-2007, 11:27

I found out my Company was closing via the Independent Newspaper. When the HR Guy was challenged over the newspaper report , he of course completely denied any such thing, saying it was nonsense.

Two weeks later they pulled the plug on 450 people. After 18yrs service I expected to at least be told by my company, not a National Newspaper.

andy2407 · 01-10-2007, 11:50

I got made redundant in August last year.
The whole company (300+ people) were gathered together at 3.00pm on a Monday afternoon, to be told the company had been put into Administration that morning, and to be introduced to the Administrator.

Then, on Tuesday afternoon starting at 1.00pm, and half-hourly intervals after that, each department were called into the main conference room.
Sales were last in at 4.00pm, by which time we were hearing stories of massive cuts.

We went in we were told a list if name would be read out. If your name was on the list, you had to leave and go back to work. If your name wasnt read out, you stayed behind and were given your redundancy, and finished there and then.

We were paid up to that day only, and had to claim redundancy, holiday pay and notice pay off the government. Company car drivers like myself were allowed to keep our cars for a week before they were taken back by the lease company.

Over a year later and I am still trying to claim what I can. We had a "class action" Employment Tribunal which decided that over 150 of us had been unfairly dismissed by the Administrator, and gave us a Protective Award. However, this is also paid by the government, so no real punishment for the Administrators themelves, who just continue to book their time at extortionate hourly rates.

Claims as an unsecured creditor are still ongoing.

Aspman · 01-10-2007, 12:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy2407

We were paid up to that day only, and had to claim redundancy, holiday pay and notice pay off the government. Company car drivers like myself were allowed to keep our cars for a week before they were taken back by the lease company.

Over a year later and I am still trying to claim what I can.

Happened to me 6 years ago. I was told over a coffee in the local Tesco on my first day back after the first holiday I'd taken in 18 months. Took 18 months to claim redundancy etc from the gov after the liquidators screwed up and lost/never sent the paperwork.

smstext · 01-10-2007, 13:06

We came into night shift and were ushered into a room away from the evening shift even through by this point we already knew where text messages had been sent. It was a case of who wants to go now with a guarentteed pay out or go in a few months with nothing. At this point 75% went there and then and the company realised they were fooked. Things went quiet for the next 6 months and in which time i became depressed knowing i was going to sit in a clean room unable to do anything for 8 hours. In the end i just bought my time as i knew another round of redundancies would come up and sure enough it did. My name being first alphabetically was called out i went to the office and asked them to cut the crap and tell me what they were offering and took it straight away (same as the first round). 3 months later everyone else went with the same package too.

Got a job 2 weeks later so i was happy.

***ncarring*** · 01-10-2007, 13:54

Sorry to hear about this Richard. By the sound of it you have a plan B in motion though. Good luck!

Furby_Lass · 01-10-2007, 13:59

I dont suppose there is any easy way to let people go, but I hate the fact that everyone else always knows before you, you shouldnt have to read it in the paper before your told.

heresmo · 01-10-2007, 15:57

I'm not sure which is worse - being told instantly or living under threat of redundancy. It doesn't really matter how one finds out, as it's still the reality. Well, except that it might negatively divert attention from putting effort into what happens next (next job). The idea of long-term jobs ended many years ago. Hope that makes sense.

Regards
Mo

Sporky McGuffin · 01-10-2007, 16:04

First time the company had already been cut down from about 12 to 3. Then the boss said "Terribly sorry, chaps, but Friday'll be your last day. Bring a big car if you've got one and we'll take anything we fancy from the office. Oh, and I got you double the statutory requirements. Sorry I couldn't do better. Who wants to go to the pub?"

Second time I found out from a receptionist at the site I was working at. Something of a stark difference.

JMK2 · 01-10-2007, 17:42

Last permanent job - went through so many times - below is what happened over 18 months

1st 2 rounds did not affect us
3rd round - were under threat for 4 weeks - only to be told no redundancy
4th round - were kept waiting over Christmas 2 redundancies out of 14
5th round - Was technicaly made redundant but was offered a role I hated - should have taken the cash and run

After that for 3 years went through threats Every Christmas. Trouble was, there was so much Ntural Wastage in our department I just hung on. Finally decided to resign - two weeks later I would have been made redundant with a cash pay off.

Anyway now contracting - on a week to week basis. 50% pay cut no sick pay et al

OK gone on a bit but what have I learned.

1 There is something out there - just keep calm
2. Do not expect to earn the same cash as before - you can be lucky but I am not - obviously.
3. Take time out to think
4. If nothing is coming up take ANY job
5. Recruitment agencies all the whole tell untruths. Keep hassling.

gadgetman · 01-10-2007, 21:52

Happened twice to me.

Not nice, especially the second time when I was unemployed for ages. Really dragged me down right to the very bottom.

Claim for every penny you're entitled too, and if administration caused it, get it in writing to the admin firm ASAP.

3 years after one such redundancy, and after assuming I'd get squat on top of the gov low payout, I got a cheque for £300!

Wet Kipper · 01-10-2007, 22:06

we were told in a meeting, and given 3 months notice of it. Our positions were being outsourced to elsewhere. 2 of the team were on temporary contracts, which were renewed monthly for the next 2 months.
As part of the "transition" we were asked to help train our replacements, whcih sounds gutting at first, but it wasn't too bad, considering it meant being put up in a 5* hotel at the company's expense for 2 weeks. Plus as a reward for that I got extra bonus severance pay over and above both the statuatory "x" weeks of pay for the "x" years you've worked here, and the discretionary "x" months of pay for every "x" years you've worked here. I ended up (net) with a package worth over 6 month's pay, so I've actually been treated pretty well.

Am not wanting to sound smug, but there are some companies out there who take care of their folk - my manager was trying to get as much for me as possible as he didn;t want to lose us but his hands were tied by decisions made further up.

gadgetman · 01-10-2007, 22:14

Cant they TIPEE or what ever it's called, the staff to the other firm?

01-10-2007, 11:08	#1
Moose Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: I'm a monkey from outer space, woooooooo ahhhhhhhhh hehe hooohaa Posts: 4,938 Members Car: None Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Redundancy Hi all, I know some of you have been made redundant a few times now, just wondering, how did you all find out? First time I found out was from someone I work with, he bought a copy of Financial Times and saw Tiny Computers being split up and parts sold off to Time Computers. Needless to say, no-one was very happy that we had just a few days left and no idea if we would be paid or not. Now, I've just had an email via works webmail telling me that I have just 4 weeks left as per my contract! And I'm on holiday too! Apparently Allied Respiratory, major medical oxygen suppliers in the south east have been sold off and the office and logistics teams will be transferred to Air Liquide/Linde shortly. Is there any correct or sensible way in which people should be told they will no longer have a job? Whats the worst way you've been told that you no longer have a job? Link to a brief report __________________ Sunlight Silver MX-5 1.8 Sport Last edited by Moose; 01-10-2007 at 11:31.

01-10-2007, 11:17	#2
Quinten Crossdresser Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: fast lane Posts: 10,000 Members Car: Citroen C-Crosser 2.2HDI Thanks: 25 Thanked 40 Times in 37 Posts	Re: Redundacy When I was made redundant we got asked by the MD to meet in one of the meeting rooms... one half of the company in one, the other half in the another. Was a bit like the X-factor judges Don't think they could have done it any better though. I certainly wouldn't want to find out such a life impacting event through an anonymous source like news paper, email, etc... __________________ Awooga!!!

01-10-2007, 11:27	#3
BobTHEDOG Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 79 Members Car: Octavia vRS TDI 170BHP Thanks: 2 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Redundacy I found out my Company was closing via the Independent Newspaper. When the HR Guy was challenged over the newspaper report , he of course completely denied any such thing, saying it was nonsense. Two weeks later they pulled the plug on 450 people. After 18yrs service I expected to at least be told by my company, not a National Newspaper.

01-10-2007, 11:50	#4
andy2407 Briskodian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Upper Ramsbottom Posts: 5,591 Members Car: Yellow Fabia vRS Thanks: 59 Thanked 224 Times in 181 Posts	Re: Redundacy I got made redundant in August last year. The whole company (300+ people) were gathered together at 3.00pm on a Monday afternoon, to be told the company had been put into Administration that morning, and to be introduced to the Administrator. Then, on Tuesday afternoon starting at 1.00pm, and half-hourly intervals after that, each department were called into the main conference room. Sales were last in at 4.00pm, by which time we were hearing stories of massive cuts. We went in we were told a list if name would be read out. If your name was on the list, you had to leave and go back to work. If your name wasnt read out, you stayed behind and were given your redundancy, and finished there and then. We were paid up to that day only, and had to claim redundancy, holiday pay and notice pay off the government. Company car drivers like myself were allowed to keep our cars for a week before they were taken back by the lease company. Over a year later and I am still trying to claim what I can. We had a "class action" Employment Tribunal which decided that over 150 of us had been unfairly dismissed by the Administrator, and gave us a Protective Award. However, this is also paid by the government, so no real punishment for the Administrators themelves, who just continue to book their time at extortionate hourly rates. Claims as an unsecured creditor are still ongoing. __________________ The future's bright The future's mellow Now with a little zest of Washbrook added

01-10-2007, 13:06	#6
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,688 Members Car: Octavia Mk2 FSI Sport Thanks: 11 Thanked 303 Times in 271 Posts	Re: Redundacy We came into night shift and were ushered into a room away from the evening shift even through by this point we already knew where text messages had been sent. It was a case of who wants to go now with a guarentteed pay out or go in a few months with nothing. At this point 75% went there and then and the company realised they were fooked. Things went quiet for the next 6 months and in which time i became depressed knowing i was going to sit in a clean room unable to do anything for 8 hours. In the end i just bought my time as i knew another round of redundancies would come up and sure enough it did. My name being first alphabetically was called out i went to the office and asked them to cut the crap and tell me what they were offering and took it straight away (same as the first round). 3 months later everyone else went with the same package too. Got a job 2 weeks later so i was happy. __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here

01-10-2007, 13:54	#7
*ncarring* Don't talk, drive! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The B roads of Britain Posts: 12,964 Members Car: 1983 Porsche 928S / 1972 MGB GT Thanks: 17 Thanked 96 Times in 79 Posts	Re: Redundacy Sorry to hear about this Richard. By the sound of it you have a plan B in motion though. Good luck! __________________ Nick North Wiltshire RoADAR

01-10-2007, 13:59	#8
Furby_Lass Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Stamford/Peterborough/Hull Posts: 517 Members Car: Fabia vRS SE Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Redundacy I dont suppose there is any easy way to let people go, but I hate the fact that everyone else always knows before you, you shouldnt have to read it in the paper before your told. __________________ Cara Blue Fabia vrs - Now with white Octavia WRC wheels! 001/1000

01-10-2007, 15:57	#9
heresmo Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 12,567 Members Car: Thanks: 50 Thanked 144 Times in 124 Posts	Re: Redundacy I'm not sure which is worse - being told instantly or living under threat of redundancy. It doesn't really matter how one finds out, as it's still the reality. Well, except that it might negatively divert attention from putting effort into what happens next (next job). The idea of long-term jobs ended many years ago. Hope that makes sense. Regards Mo __________________

01-10-2007, 16:04	#10
Sporky McGuffin Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Surrey Posts: 1,034 Members Car: 1993 Zeppelin R200 Thanks: 4 Thanked 9 Times in 9 Posts	Re: Redundacy First time the company had already been cut down from about 12 to 3. Then the boss said "Terribly sorry, chaps, but Friday'll be your last day. Bring a big car if you've got one and we'll take anything we fancy from the office. Oh, and I got you double the statutory requirements. Sorry I couldn't do better. Who wants to go to the pub?" Second time I found out from a receptionist at the site I was working at. Something of a stark difference.

01-10-2007, 17:42	#11
JMK2 Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cheshire Near the Cat Posts: 867 Members Car: New Fabia 1 60 BHP Thanks: 23 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Redundacy Last permanent job - went through so many times - below is what happened over 18 months 1st 2 rounds did not affect us 3rd round - were under threat for 4 weeks - only to be told no redundancy 4th round - were kept waiting over Christmas 2 redundancies out of 14 5th round - Was technicaly made redundant but was offered a role I hated - should have taken the cash and run After that for 3 years went through threats Every Christmas. Trouble was, there was so much Ntural Wastage in our department I just hung on. Finally decided to resign - two weeks later I would have been made redundant with a cash pay off. Anyway now contracting - on a week to week basis. 50% pay cut no sick pay et al OK gone on a bit but what have I learned. 1 There is something out there - just keep calm 2. Do not expect to earn the same cash as before - you can be lucky but I am not - obviously. 3. Take time out to think 4. If nothing is coming up take ANY job 5. Recruitment agencies all the whole tell untruths. Keep hassling. __________________ I would like to put something here, but just can't think what

01-10-2007, 21:52	#12
gadgetman Go Gadget Octy! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3,409 Members Car: Thanks: 220 Thanked 119 Times in 112 Posts	Re: Redundancy Happened twice to me. Not nice, especially the second time when I was unemployed for ages. Really dragged me down right to the very bottom. Claim for every penny you're entitled too, and if administration caused it, get it in writing to the admin firm ASAP. 3 years after one such redundancy, and after assuming I'd get squat on top of the gov low payout, I got a cheque for £300! __________________ Lick the window of life Why not join the Briskoda Last.fm group?

01-10-2007, 22:06	#13
Wet Kipper Race Blue 82 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: West Lothian Posts: 1,470 Members Car: Fabia vRS Ltd Edition Thanks: 17 Thanked 24 Times in 22 Posts	Re: Redundancy we were told in a meeting, and given 3 months notice of it. Our positions were being outsourced to elsewhere. 2 of the team were on temporary contracts, which were renewed monthly for the next 2 months. As part of the "transition" we were asked to help train our replacements, whcih sounds gutting at first, but it wasn't too bad, considering it meant being put up in a 5* hotel at the company's expense for 2 weeks. Plus as a reward for that I got extra bonus severance pay over and above both the statuatory "x" weeks of pay for the "x" years you've worked here, and the discretionary "x" months of pay for every "x" years you've worked here. I ended up (net) with a package worth over 6 month's pay, so I've actually been treated pretty well. Am not wanting to sound smug, but there are some companies out there who take care of their folk - my manager was trying to get as much for me as possible as he didn;t want to lose us but his hands were tied by decisions made further up.

01-10-2007, 22:14	#14
gadgetman Go Gadget Octy! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3,409 Members Car: Thanks: 220 Thanked 119 Times in 112 Posts	Re: Redundancy Cant they TIPEE or what ever it's called, the staff to the other firm? __________________ Lick the window of life Why not join the Briskoda Last.fm group?

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