Out of the blue

[Onthebrink]

My employer called me in for a meeting during a period where I do not work (children's school hols) saying that we needed to meet to discuss how my role would change given the imminent implementation of a manufacturing system. I went in expecting to hear that my position was going to expand, however, my manager told me that as 70% of my role was taken up with processing invoices, and that the manu. system would be doing this, then that part of my role would be redundant and did I have any ideas about where else I could work within the organisation. The company only employs about 25 staff. I replied that I had always been hugely flexible in terms of areas where I could work and hours that I work, I also commented that the invoicing part of my role only constituted about 20% of my workload (and I can provide evidence for this). I suspect that the new HR manager (who has not liked the flexibility of my contract) is trying to get rid of me as there will be the need for maternity cover in January (a role I was initially taken on to do before being offered a permanent position) and they don't seem to be considering me for this. I have a clean disciplinary record, was awarded a bonus in June...this really has stunned me. My next meeting is on my return to work date of 6th Sept. Even though the meeting wasn't declared as such...was it a redundancy consultation? in the (inaccurate) minutes sent to me, it was stated that my role was to be redundant but that they stressed that I would not necessarily be redundant. I haven't a clue what is going on. I have sent a letter in (as requested...containing my considered options!!??) but I have just said that the minutes were not a true reflection of the meeting and that I refute that 70% of my workload is taken up with invoicing. I have also reiterated that I can be flexible with my working hours. Without doubt the company will have to employ someone in Jan to cover the maternity leave. Can anyone let me know wheter or not the company have followed the correct procedures?

[charitynjw]

Re: Out of the blue

Hi Onthe brink, & welcome to Legal Beagles.

It looks as if the employer is approaching you on an informal(ish) basis to let you know the state of affairs, & to explore possibilities.

If redundancy does become more of a probability, the meetings should be more formal.

ACAS give guidance on this

http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1365