Redundancy - where do I stand with payment for Statutory Notice Period?

[Uncle Harvey]

I have unfortunately just been made redundant due to impending company closure and I need some advise on where I stand with payment for my notice period. I have worked at the company for over 20 years therefore I'm due some money for the Statutory Notice Period. The company will remain solvent until next year.

My employment contract states that my employer has to give me 4 weeks notice. The statutory notice period for me is 12 weeks.

My question is am I within my rights to both leave after 4 weeks AND receive 12 weeks pay as per the government rules?

I'm keen to move on and seek other employment, therefore my preference is to leave after the 4 weeks specified in my contract. However I wouldn't want to jeopardise a further 8 weeks pay. Would the company have to pay this regardless as 12 weeks is the statutory minimum?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[ULA]

Given your length of service and your statutory notice is greater than your contractual notice you are entitled to 12 weeks notice in total.

The company is entitled to request that you work your notice, alternatively they can require you not to work your notice but they would have to pay you in lieu of notice.