Maternity / Redundancy

[dwspritchard]

Hi all,

I was wondering if you could help me with some advice for a friend

She's been working for a company for 8 years, 2 years ago they merged with another company and most of her department were given redundancy on the old company terms of 3 weeks for every year of employment.

She applied but was refused because she was deemed to valuable to lose at the time. She has been off for a couple of months with illness after becoming pregnant, when she returned to work (still 3 months to birth) she was told her position was being made redundant and that she could either have the old redundancy terms(out of good will) or maternity leave.

After maternity she was told that if she asked for redundancy to be considered she be given only statutory redundancy pay, despite the fact she has the original package terms in writing and she has not signed any new terms and conditions. Either that or she could stay and learn the new systems and procedures.

Is there anything there that sticks out or should she just take the redundancy now as its a good deal.

thanks in advance
DWSP

 

[Deleted member 3454]

I'm no legal expert but I would be very suspicious that this "redundancy" is linked to her pregnancy related illness - if it is linked then the company may be acting illegally.

I'm sure that Antonia from Limeone or BWG Law will be along soon and clarify.

 

[bwglaw]

Your friend needs to seek direct legal advice. No lawyer can advise a third party and certainly without the full facts. As Lynn points out that if a link to the pregnancy can be established then the employer risks a claim for discrimination

 

[dwspritchard]

Thanks for the replies that what I'd advised her to do as I'd found it very convenient timing for her company, and they seem to be in a bit of a hurry to rush it through with her.