Is my employer reqiured to look for alternative positions for me before redundancy ?

Usjes

Hi,

I was told at a meeting at 4:00pm today that my position was at risk of redundancy and that the meeting was the start of a 'consultation process' to explore reducing the risk of redundancy by seeking alternative opportunities for me within the company. The meeting then consisted of answering my general questions and giving an outline of the redundancy package.
A second meeting is scheduled form 10:30am tomorrow with the stated purpose of 'discussing any alternative oportunities I may have identified in the meantime.' And presumably if I have identified none my redundancy will be confirmed.

So I'm wondering if the Company is legally required to look for alternatives for me ? I get the distinct impression that the company is just paying lip-service to their legal responsibilities. Even if the onus is on me to do the leg work in looking for an alternative position, is it reasonable to give me 17hours to do so ?

Thanks,

Usjes.

userod

Usjes wrote: »

Hi,

I was told at a meeting at 4:00pm today that my position was at risk of redundancy and that the meeting was the start of a 'consultation process' to explore reducing the risk of redundancy by seeking alternative opportunities for me within the company. The meeting then consisted of answering my general questions and giving an outline of the redundancy package.
A second meeting is scheduled form 10:30am tomorrow with the stated purpose of 'discussing any alternative oportunities I may have identified in the meantime.' And presumably if I have identified none my redundancy will be confirmed.

So I'm wondering if the Company is legally required to look for alternatives for me ? I get the distinct impression that the company is just paying lip-service to their legal responsibilities. Even if the onus is on me to do the leg work in looking for an alternative position, is it reasonable to give me 17hours to do so ?

Thanks,

Usjes.

No. They are not required to look for alternative positions for you before making you redundant.

Stheno

userod wrote: »

No. They are not required to look for alternative positions for you before making you redundant.

No as above, but if they offer you an alternate position and you decline it, it has an impact on redundancy

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/unemployment_and_redundancy/redundancy/redundancy_procedures.html

Usjes

Interesting, if there is no requirement then I am somewhat baffled as to why they are even bothering to go through the motions. It is a multinational though, so maybe they are just re-using stock letters which were drafted with another jurisdiction in mind.

Stheno

Usjes wrote: »

Interesting, if there is no requirement then I am somewhat baffled as to why they are even bothering to go through the motions. It is a multinational though, so maybe they are just re-using stock letters which were drafted with another jurisdiction in mind.

From the link I posted

This requires prior consultation with you before the decision is made. In addition, your employer should consider all options including possible alternatives.

So they are simply covering themselves by doing what they should

nailz007

Can I ask if this is a telecoms company ?

Usjes

nailz007 wrote: »

Can I ask if this is a telecoms company ?

Its a big company working in lots of fields, I'm working in the reasearch and development side for comms equipment.

Greenmachine

If they move you to a new role, with a new job title and a new contract etc. And 2 years later they terminate that. Your redundancy entitlement will only be regarded re your new contract.

Mrs OBumble

Irish law doesn't require them to look for alternatives.

But your employment contract might. Have you looked at it?