Redundancy :o(

I hope you're all right and this will begin a new journey for me.

The problem is I have Aspergers so I hate change and find it hard to mix with new people and so dealing with interviews is hard. I find it a struggle sometimes just doing my normal job so this is freaking me out a bit, although not many people at work know about the Aspergers because of the coping strategies I've developed over the years so I can mask it if I need to.

 

oh no how awful i hope that you find new work soon

 

ahh, i could teach you to cut hair instead?

 

I know the feeling, I was made redundant ( a long time ago)but my situation was probably not as bad as yours. I hope something will turn up. In the mean time you can always talk to us.

 

Sorry to hear this merleworld.
Have a feeling I might be becoming a statistic myself very soon.

The country is at the lowest ebb I have ever known.
Still we do have the Olympics

 

I'm sorry to hear your news Merleworld. I've been through it, and its pretty scary.

I hope I don't seem tactless to say this, but it is an opportunity. Its scary, but if you're determined, as it sounds you are, then you will find something else, quite possibly something better.

There are some practicalities to consider. Firstly, now is the time to work out every penny your company owes you. Can you claim expenses for your trip to Portsmouth for example (you should be able to). Have you incurred any expenses in recent weeks that you didn't bother to claim back.

Also, look at how much leave entitlement you have left. There might be a temptation to use it all up in haste, but can you get cash in lieu for it?

Ask your current employer if you are allowed reasonable time off for interviews. I think they should let you. Also ask what happens if you leave before your notice period, in case a new employer wants you to start before your official leave date.

Make absolutely certain you work out your redundancy payment entitlement. Not just the statutory one, but if your contract gives better terms than the legal minimum, make sure you get those better terms. I saw a certain huge company that I got laid off from attempt to rob us collectively of thousands until we pointed out the terms in our contract which said we were entitled to more than they tried to claim we were entitled to.

Above all, good luck. Not that you'll need it if you have the right mindset, which I'm sure you do. Contrary to what the media says, there are jobs out there. You just have to want one.

 

We are all behind you 100% Merle!! Good luck finding something even BETTER! Oh, and what clueless said too!!!

 

Sorry to hear this Merleworld
Sound advice from Clueless1

Most important there is to keep a clear head and do not act until you have everything clear, ESPECIALLY regards REDUNDANCY,and payment
Make sure When you get the new job with an early start, your old company WILL PAY REDUNDANCY and not just say you quit for a new job

Take care and good luck

Jack McHammocklashing

 

Sorry to hear your news Merleworld and it was naughty making you travel all the way to Portsmouth to find out.

Something will come along for you, try and keep your chin up!

 

Sorry to hear your news. Even tough you know you are going to find it hard your attitude is great. Hope it pays off soon and you find something else

 

Thanks Clueless - already on the case with most of that and have made a list of questions I'm going to ask straight off, including a list of what I am owed. I've already cancelled any leave I had booked (had a week off booked) so that they will have to pay me for any unused.

 

Good luck. I was made redundant 7 years ago after working in a bookshop for 12 years. i then went back to college, did a course in garden design and horticulture and now I am a self employed landscape gardener. it might look bleak just now but you will come through it and be better for it.

 

I wish you good luck in the job hunting. If you are applying for something new, mention the Aspergers - as you have good coping strategies your new employer may not pick it up but they can't discriminate at appointment and will have to make reasonable adjustment for settling in to your new role.