Denied statutory redundancy and being asked to sign waiver before final pay

Cthurg

My work is closing and is laying off folks. I've been working there for about 3 years but with a break as they asked me to move to the office (I work remotely) and I declined. They changed their minds about 'centralising' the team and so asked me back after about 3 months or so.

My mistake was not chasing this up at the time (I just asked 'so where does that leave us?' and was told, 'you're leaving') due to naivety.

So when it came to redundancy talks when they closed, I was told I was under 2 years so would get the package that the 1yr+ workers are after.

That's problem 1 - I'm not sure how I stand there. Their lawyers looked into it and said I had no leg to stand on (yes, their lawyers - I've not sought legal counsel as I don't know if it's worth it finance wise).

Problem 2 is even weirder (and made me ask about and these boards were recommended).

We're getting a months pay redundancy and a months bonus pay for staying to work the final month the business is open (together with the last months pay).

We've been mailed and told we have to sign a waiver - an acknowledgement of payment and waiver form - which I've never heard of.

Furthermore, money is being withheld until we do so. From the horse's mouth:

"...a delay in your response could equal a delay in your final payment."

Now everyone is jumping to sign these, to get money. I have a new job sorted already and will be paid probably before this money arrives. So I've time. I am calm and not in need of this money immediately.

So that calmness is making me realise how weird this whole thing is.

Anyone any thoughts/experience/info?

Kristopherus

Get on to the Dept of Enterprise and tell them your story. They'll clarify the qualifying periods etc. Better to get it from the horses mouth rather than here.