Redundancy - Any Opinions??

[Materialnut]

Ok here goes. I just arrived back from my holidays yesterday morning only to receive a text message from my office manager asking me to ring her the minute i got back. I did this and so she stated that she needed to see me urgently. I met up with her later that evening and she informed me that whilst i was away; the whole department at my office had been made redundant including herself and have been told not to return to work as of last thursday. This also means myself (I'm assuming??) however, unofficially as i do not return to work until monday. Now this isn't a problem as redundany happens to many people however; what are people views on the fact that all my colleagues know about this situationand i don't officially know until returning to work on Monday. Obviously i will ring ACAS and discuss this with them but i just want to know other peoples views. Also redundancy advice would be gratefully appreciated i.e how does this look when i go for other interviews - does it go against you in any way? if you were the employer, would you think twice about employing someone because of this?

Many Thanks

[Postdog]

Not much to say, except that don't worry about redundandcy going against you. It happens, and it has no real stigma. You didn't lose the job because of anything you did.

[WendyS]

I'm sorry about your misfortune. Please don't worry about your redundancy affecting your ability to get another job. It is so common these days that everybody understands that it is the "job" which has been made redundant, not any reflection on the ability of the job holder. Your employer will have to give you the relevant amount of notice, as per your employment contract, or pay you money in lieu of notice, and if you have been there more than two years, a redundancy payment - either the state minimum or according to their own company policy if this is more generous. When you return to work on Monday, ask for notice of your redundancy to be given to you formally in writing, stating the date from which it is to be effective. I don't think your immediate boss could have handled the situation in any other way as you were away on holiday. I think she was considerate in giving you advance warning of the situation before you returned to the office tomorrow, even if it was news you didn't want to hear. Hope you're able to find another job soon.

[AliFlump]

Dont worry about it affecting your job prospects. you were made redundant because your department closed not because you couldnt do your job

im 23 and have been made redundant 3 times cos the places closed. if anything it shows you are loyal and stick it out when it rough!!