made redundant today

I have been made redundant today from my NHS job. I am front line staff.

I have been told that I may apply for a newly created job which incorporates my old job and that of my equivalent in a sister hospital. The new post will work across both sites. Ie they have made one job out of the two but are calling it a new job.

They have done this to me whilst I am off sick after a recent operation – I am barely walking and not driving. They are holding the interview for the new job this month both of us have been told to apply, the unsuccessful person will be made redundant.

I will struggle to get there let alone concentrate with the pain I am in.

This new job is also full time. I was part time because of my disability. I don’t think I could manage a full time post.

It appears to be very unfair.
I haven’t looked into my rights yet as im still reeling from the shock.

Anyone got any advice?

Mod edit: moved to questions forum

Hi Martha, I am so sorry to hear your news, not a good time to do this.

I would really recomend you ring your union tomorrow. They will be up together with all the legal and discrimination info.

I was in the same position when I was diagnosed with CFS/ME and was going to fight it but the job had caused major depression so I gave up.

The union were very helpful and would have supported me all the way.

Wish you all the best,
Rachel

So sorry Martha that this has happened to you.

can't offer any advice but try to not set yourself back in your recovery by stressing yourself if at all possible.

I didn’t know if my post would be allowed as it isn’t a 'benefit' subject, but it is a work/ disability question of sorts.

I am usually capable of researching this sort of thing, but my mind is a blur today – I haven’t even told my family yet – I can’t seem to put a sentence together.

My initial thought is discrimination, I cant do the job they have proposed due to the increased hours but the other person clearly can – but im not sure yet. They also know I am off sick for ‘treatment’ for my disability – they agreed to this when they employed me- however the interview will be when im on sick leave. I am clearly disadvantaged IMO.

Maybe tomorrow I will see things clearer. Thank you for your supportive replies.

Is there a CAB office still functioning where you are? The advisers there are trained in employment matters.

In the meantime, this gives you a bit of information about equality rights www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-g...uality-act-guidance/

This is the CAB guide, which has stuff on employment www.adviceguide.org.uk/

Advicenow has info on discrimination www.advicenow.org.uk/is-that-discrimination/

Further thoughts - moneysavingexpert has a forum with a section on employment issues.