If there is one thing that yo are entitled to in the working world, it’s being treated fairly. From the package you are given when you are brought into a company to the package you are given when you leave, you are supposed to be treated fairly throughout the entire process. Your employer is bound to follow fair processes when they let you go, and if they don’t, they could find themselves open to a lawsuit.
Speaking to an employment lawyer would be the right step to take if you are going to be laid off from your job, especially if the right steps haven’t been taken to release you from your position. If you’ve worked for your employer for at least two years, then your employer is bound to follow fair procedures to ensure that you are laid off in a way that is beneficial for you; after all, it’s not YOUR fault that your job role is no longer required.
Your employer should invite you to at least one meeting to discuss the dissolution of your job role and if they can’t move you to another, suitable role within the company, then they need to put a severance package together that you can live off while you look for new work.
It’s important to check the policy with your employer to see whether there is a set limit on how long you are working with them to get any severance package at all. You may need to look over the process in the company handbook, so that you are well-versed on what is and what isn’t okay in terms of how they handle this sensitive situation. The process that your employer has in the company handbook needs to explain the following:
- How they choose people for redundancy
- How long the decision to let you go will take
- How many meetings you’re entitled to, to discuss what comes next
- How to appeal the decision
The meeting that you have with your employer should cover the same questions, and they should be able to tell you why you’ve been considered for redundancy. Knowing whether your redundancy is fair depends on when they choose to nominate you for it. If you have been chosen based on any of the following, then your redundancy has not been fair:
- Asked about your rights and you have suddenly been let go
- Taken action on company health and safety by making a complaint
- You’ve blown the whistle on illegal activity in the workplace
- You work part time
- You’re in a trade union and have been on strike
- You’ve been on jury service
Knowing your rights when your employer suggests laying you off is important so that you don’t get blindsided by the whole situation. You have the right to be treated fairly by your employer, and they have rules to follow, too. If they are not following the rules, you’re within your right to stand up for yourself.
