Does the job have to be advertised?

[Ridgeback]

I have been in an 'acting' role doing a job for 10 months because the person was off sick. He is now being 'retired' from the company but I have been told that the role must be advertised even tho they want me to apply and tell me I will get it. What is the point of that? Is there any reason why they cannot just give me the job?

[factor-fiction]

It's quite common for companies to require roles to be advertised internally so that everyone has a chance to apply and the best person gets the job (which i'm sure will be you) rather than whoever just happens to be next in line.

[thebrainy123]

bolloks if you have been doing the job for 10 months ask them for a contact of employment, they must give you one after 3 months fulltime employment its the law

they are not required to advertise the job they will only do this if they want to get rid of you

start writing your cv

[factor-fiction]

Ridgeback- do you have a role to go back to or were you recruited externally to do this acting role?

thebrainy123- are you familiar with this firm's HR policies and /or agreements with the trades union about advertising vacancies?

It's common in my experience for someone to 'act up' temporarily (maybe via a temporary promotion or sometimes just as a development opportunity) when the length of absence isn't known, and then when it is decided the absentee won't return the job is often advertised if there is a union agreement that this will happen.

But I agree with the brainy123 that if they really want you they'd drop a hint or find a way of appointing you.

[Ridgeback]

Thank you both for your comments. I have now been told its HR Policy but that it will only be advertised internally for a short time and they don't expect any other applicants and that I would get the job anyway! Needless to say its not in writing but I guess I just have to trust them. Yes, I do have a permanent role/contract - as the assistant to the job I am now doing which pays about a third of the salary! They also just gave me a pay rise to bring me in line with others in similar jobs in other regions so I suppose I feel a bit more secure and will have to wait and see when the time comes!