How best to organise/manage exit from company?

[ClubMan]

Somebody asked me to post this on their behalf:

I am in a position where it is likely to suit both me and my employers for them to replace me. I have less than 2 years service so they will not have to pay me redundancy.

However I also have a health problem, I am currently on a waiting list for tests, and I don't know how it will turn out. Because of my age as well, I think I may have trouble getting another job although my skills are good. I have never been unemployed before and have only taken 2 weeks sick leave in 26 years of employment history.

So I'd like them to move the job to another part of the country, which would probably suit them, in order that they can give me notice to make it easier to get unemployment benefit or possibly disability benefit if the health disimproves.

I think my employers, who are grateful for what I've done in a difficult post, and will need my help to train in the replacement, will play ball with this idea but I want to know my facts before approaching them formally.

My question is: what other grounds can employers give notice on (eg they might well reduce the hours for the new person) that would qualify me for benefits? I know that if I am the one to give notice then I won't qualify.

And anything else I should be aware of in this situation?

 

[ClubMan]

If they let you go then you can sign on for Jobseekers Benefit/Allowanceas long as you are genuinely seeking and available for work. If you leave voluntarily your claim may be deferred for up to 6 (?) weeks. Either way if you end up unemployed you should sign on ASAP if only to get PRSI credits. If your health situation merits it you may be able to claim one of the illness or disability benefits or allowances. I'm not clear on what else you might be looking for here? Are you hoping to hang on for 2 years service in order to qualify for statutory redundancy? Remember that this is only means 2 weeks pay per year of service plus one more week so in the minimum case 5 weeks. Are you sure that it really suits you to cooperate with making an exit from work? Make sure that it is before making any decisions.

 

[Welfarite]

As Clubman says, you may be disqualified for JB for leaving job of your own accord/without just cause (teh period can be up to 9 weeks) but you seem to be hung up on the idea that this will automatically happen.

If your employer is willing to say that there is no longer a position for you due to job relocation then that is sufficent for you to get JB from day 4 of unemployment provided you fulfil the other conditions

 

[ClubMan]

Update from the person in question:

OK, so I'm not permanently disqualified from jobseeker's benefit if I leave voluntarily? That's good news.

I'm not looking for anything else, I just want to tell my employers what grounds they could legitimately state for giving me notice eg is reduced hours (ie they might want to reduce the hours per week) an option as well as relocation?

Because another option is that they may decide to keep the office where it is, but split the job into an employed basic part time admin function and a contracted-out higher level function.

Are there any others for them to consider in the mix which would still have the effect of their having given me notice rather than me giving them notice?

Thanks very much for your replies.

 

[Welfarite]

"reduced hours" is not viable. SW would expect you to continue working the reduced hours and claim JB for other days, unless, of course, the reduced hours were spread over at least four days Mon-Sat which would preclude any SW payments.

The bottom line is that you should not claim SW under false pretences the employer must not be seen to be aiding you in avoiding disqualification. You say you have health grounds that are leaning you towards giving up work ...what exactly do you mean? Is it due to nature of work or is it enought to make you incapable of/unfit for F/T working? in which case, Illness Benefit is the correct payment to claim

 

[Gordanus]

You might find it useful to consult with an Occupational Health Doctor - there are a few independent firms around. They will be well used to such situations. There's a company on Baggot St - Holland Gueret or such. (I've no connection with them!)