Royal Mail has announced its plans to make 5,000 to 6,000 redundancies as part of plans to cut 10,000 roles by August 2023.
The news comes after the firms said it expects its full-year losses to hit £350m which it believes has been caused by “the direct impact of eight days of industrial action” alongside lower numbers of parcels being sent through their service.
While the company is aiming to make the bulk of job cuts through voluntary redundancies and not replacing workers who leave, there will inevitably be a large number of compulsory redundancies made.
This is understandably a worrying time for Royal Mail workers, with many now facing an uncertain time. If you are a Royal Mail worker and are concerned about the threat of redundancy, it is important you understand your legal position and options in such a situation.
Check Your Employment Contract
Your written contract of employment should include details about your entitlements including notice pay and statutory redundancy pay. If you are not sure what they are, find the relevant section in your employment contract which details the correct company procedures and your entitlement in these situations.
Redundancy Consultations
In cases like these, where companies are proposing to make large scale redundancies in the hundreds or thousands, a consultation process must take place. There are set processes that an employer has to adhere to and they are bound by laws which cover fair selection and consultation.
Settlement Agreements
If you’re selected for compulsory redundancy or agree to voluntary redundancy, you may be offered a settlement agreement. In order for a settlement agreement to be a valid document, independent legal advice must have been given to the employee in order for them to understand the terms and effect of the agreement. Everything you need to know about what to do if you’ve been offered a settlement agreement can be found in this handy blog.
Seek Legal Advice
Where you feel the correct processes are not being adhered to or you are simply unsure on your legal position, it is important to seek legal advice from an employment law specialist at the earliest opportunity. The sooner you understand your legal position, the better your chances of either protecting your position at work or ensuring a more attractive redundancy package.
At Farleys we have been advising employees across a range of industries on their rights during redundancies for many years. We understand that it can be a difficult time for you and your family and will do everything we can to ensure the best possible outcome.
If you are a Royal Mail worker looking for advice on redundancy, settlement agreements or other employment law advice, get in touch with our employment law team today on 0845 287 0939, contact us by email, to use the online chat below.
