Replacing a Redundant Position

[Minerva]

Hi,

I'm just looking for some advice, I was working as an administrative assistant/receptionist in a private language school. My position was recently made redundant due to the fact the school was not doing well and lower student numbers meant less need for my position. All aspects of this role are still necessary for the school to function and a presence on reception is always required at the school. All of my duties have been given to my colleague.

At the end of my consultation period I was given the opportunity to take up suitable alternative employment (due to another member of staff handing in her notice); I have just completed a four week trial in the new position. However this week they have just recruited a temporary member of staff to do my role in reception (partly to cover holiday, and also because there is now too much work for one person). I am not very happy as my role now has no resemblance to my reception role and I'm angry that only four weeks after the role being 'redundant' they have found a replacement. Obviously I have not been dismissed, but is this kind of behaviour by my employer acceptable?

[teaboy2]

Re: Replacing a Redundant Position

Unfortunately yes it is, the fact remains the person they have hired is likely on different terms to what you were on i.e. less hours, unless having to cover holidays, less pay also maybe the case. The new person will likely only be performing a few of the duties you performed to help lighten the load on the colleague that took over your duties, but the new person may not be carrying out all your old duties. As such she is probably not a direct like for like role replacement!

[Minerva]

Re: Replacing a Redundant Position

Thanks Teaboy, I appreciate your response. I didn't think I really had much of a case to argue, I just hope karma exists and they'll all be punished! (I know I'm being bitter, but I worked extremely hard for them, and they've only just realised)! :-(

[teaboy2]

Re: Replacing a Redundant Position

Yeah its not always fair, but in this case what they have done is fair and reasonable, unless of course that person has the exact same duties, hours and pay etc as you had in that role and the job title she has is the same as you had!

[matt3942]

Re: Replacing a Redundant Position

I'm always fond of reminding people that when it comes to work, the people who do the most are typically no better off than the people who do the least at the end of the day. Just some food for thought.

- Matt

[teaboy2]

Re: Replacing a Redundant Position

I'm always fond of reminding people that when it comes to work, the people who do the most are typically no better off than the people who do the least at the end of the day. Just some food for thought.

- Matt

That is so true as well, suppose that's why a lot of people feel hard done by, but rightly so i guess!

[Minerva]

Re: Replacing a Redundant Position

Unfortunately very true :-( I heard they're also bringing in a second temp as well to share the duties which I don't understand.

Good news for me is that I got a job offer elsewhere on Friday, so I'm handing in my notice on Monday! Phew! I need to get out of that environment for my own sanity!