Redundancy Help

[Bluemoon27]

Hi,

I am currently under 30 day redundancy process in my office. The plan is for them to close the current office and reduce numbers.

I applied for VR and they have now refused that as my role is available at the new office. The question I have is as follows:

My current role is operations manager, the new role is operations manager and sales. I have never done sales and that is not in my current contract. Is this classed as acceptable / legal and do I have to accept the new role or can I request VR based on a role change? Sales is not part of my current role. Also if my current drive to work is 30 mins and that will double when they move office, is that acceptable or can claim VR on that basis?

Thanks

[ULA]

Unfortunately if you choose to volunteer it is your employer's decision as to whether to accept or not.

The new role is possibly considered as a suitable alternative by your employer, however if you would not be able to use the same skills you have in the new role then there is the possibility it may not be considered a suitable alternative. The addition of sales into an operational role, in my opinion you should be offered a trial in the position. This allows for four weeks in the position after which time if you chose not to accept you will still be able to receive a redundancy payment.