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Redundancy Representatives |
Employers have an obligation to adhere to collective consultation requirements where more than 20 employees are likely to be affected by the redundancy/ies. The employer is obliged to elect staff representatives and then consult with the staff representatives of the affected employees prior to initiating any individual consultation.
Some organisations ask their existing staff/employee representatives to take on the role of redundancy representative, whilst others appoint different representatives purely for the purposes of the redundancy exercise.
We would really recommend that you carefully follow the procedures for collective consultation as there are significant penalties for failure to consult.
How do I go about electing them?
There is a legal process to ensure redundancy reps. are fairly elected, everyone has an opportunity to vote/stand for election etc. Nothing in law is simple and the appointment of redundancy reps. is no exception! Surf the ACAS website for more information or otherwise call us and we can support you through the whole process.
Is it necessary to provide any training for redundancy representatives?
You should ensure that your representatives are adequately trained for the role they will be carrying out. Many staff representatives for example are trained in communication skills and the skills required to feedback to colleagues. You might also consider essential redundancy law training for your redundancy reps. Jaluch can deliver training for representatives, please contact us for a quote.
What happens if they are also to be made redundant?
This comes up a lot during training for redundancy representatives. We would suggest that you act quite flexibly when it comes to managing your redundancy reps. For example, you might suggest that any rep. is free to step out of the consultation during any discussions about their particular area provided they ask a fellow rep. to cover for them or otherwise offer support after the consultation meeting to those representatives who are likely to be affected themselves.
What if they fail to consult back with those they represent?
Once democratically elected, you may well have little say in terms of how they carry out their role and how seriously they take their responsibilities. We would always recommend you forge a relationship with the leader of the representatives (if one has been appointed by the reps.) so that you have an avenue by which you can raise any concerns. If you are stuck, why not call us to bounce a few ideas around?
How do I find out more?
Why not give us a call! Otherwise try the ACAS free employers/employees helpline or look at their website: www.acas.org.uk
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