redundancy pool, can I ask for redundancy.

[claratrk]

I'm in a pool of 10 people going through redundancy criteria as 4 roles are being removed and we all do similar roles.
The criteria has been set and scores allocated to each section. I have scored in the top 6 but I have personal reasons ( family illness ) for wanting redundancy.
My role responsibilities are changing to include the possibility of long haul foreign travel, I currently do European travel , not as a contracted part of my job but as the years have gone by it's gradually become the norm.
But with the new responsibilities I may be asked to go to Middle East, Afric or Asia. I don't want to do this.
Where do I sit with regards to asking for redundancy ?
The company have been clear they want to mitigate redundancies and are not offering voluntary for those 6 in the top scoring but if my responsibilities are changing to include travel to countries further afield am I legally entitled to have redundancy as an option.
I'm trying to find my original contract as I'm pretty sure it states UK travel only, the company say they cannot find it, I have been with the company 20 years and have moved house twice so I'm not expecting to be able to find it either.
If I'm asked to sign a new role contract which includes comments regarding travel to Far east can I refuse.
Any advise on how to approach the request for redundancy and my legal standing would be appreciated.

Thanks
Clara

[charitynjw]

Re: redundancy pool, can I ask for redundancy.

Hi claratrk, & welcome to Legal Beagles.

You could argue that your employment is outside of the scope of 'work of a particular kind' (ie travelling outside of UK/Europe).

Alternatively, 'bumping' another colleague into selection for the place is legally ok. (Of course this is the employer's prerogative).

[claratrk]

Re: redundancy pool, can I ask for redundancy.

Thank you for your reply St Bernard.

So if I said I cannot, due to personal circumstances, travel long haul and that my current ability to travel around Europe would be restricted also, therefore the company wouldn't be getting the same commitment from me so would they 'bump' me in favour of someone who does want to stay with the company, that's perfectly legal.
HR are worried about come back so won't do anything dodgy ( so they say that but the criteria itself was the dodgiest list I've ever seen ) .
Would it help if I said I no longer really wanted to do the job and I'm looking for alternatives anyway.

Thanks
Clara