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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone

I am trying to decide whether or not to persue this legally, but I thought I would ask other peoples opinions. Despite the usual of being lied too and treated differently because I asked questions etc, below is a statement that forms part of my contract.

'You will be eligible for a performance related bonus of up to 10% of your basic annual salary per annum'

I understand that the payment of a bonus is discretionary, so if the company didn't have the money that month then they do NOT have to pay a bonus. However, the question I want to know the answer to is this.......

If there was no method e.g. a bonus scheme, for me to make that bonus, is that a breach of contract??

It's a point I brought up all throughout my employment, and I was once accused of lying about it. There are many other factors and issues, including physical assault, but I think this is my strongest point.

All thoughts and opinions welcome,

Thanks guys

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Google would be your best bet for any legal answers.

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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone

tried that, and can only find those automated sites.

I'd prefer a human interpretation

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By *obbytupperMan
over a year ago

Menston near Ilkley

Serves you right for not putting your arguments forward before signing. Think yourself lucky you don't work for the mob. Physical assault is something they specialise in.

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By *evilwolfCouple
over a year ago

Leicestershire

If you've a regular solicitor they can usually give you a yes/no answer to things like that over the phone without incurring any costs.... ymmv

Wolf

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

Along while ago someone put a similar thread up about performance related bonus. I will see if i can remember who put it up and what replies they got

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By *ercedes62Woman
over a year ago

Northampton

[Removed by poster at 19/01/12 13:06:30]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I am trying to decide whether or not to persue this legally, but I thought I would ask other peoples opinions. Despite the usual of being lied too and treated differently because I asked questions etc, below is a statement that forms part of my contract.

'You will be eligible for a performance related bonus of up to 10% of your basic annual salary per annum'

I understand that the payment of a bonus is discretionary, so if the company didn't have the money that month then they do NOT have to pay a bonus. However, the question I want to know the answer to is this.......

If there was no method e.g. a bonus scheme, for me to make that bonus, is that a breach of contract??

It's a point I brought up all throughout my employment, and I was once accused of lying about it. There are many other factors and issues, including physical assault, but I think this is my strongest point.

All thoughts and opinions welcome,

Thanks guys"

"eligible" means you could get it, not you will get it. If they have not commenced a bonus system, they have not denied your eligibility for such a scheme, when and if they implement one. Also, unfortunately, people forget that 0 is a number, meaning that "up to 10%" includes 0% .

Understand totally what you are saying, morally you are quite right, legally, they will probably wipe the floor with you.

Sorry.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I am trying to decide whether or not to persue this legally, but I thought I would ask other peoples opinions. Despite the usual of being lied too and treated differently because I asked questions etc, below is a statement that forms part of my contract.

'You will be eligible for a performance related bonus of up to 10% of your basic annual salary per annum'

I understand that the payment of a bonus is discretionary, so if the company didn't have the money that month then they do NOT have to pay a bonus. However, the question I want to know the answer to is this.......

If there was no method e.g. a bonus scheme, for me to make that bonus, is that a breach of contract??

It's a point I brought up all throughout my employment, and I was once accused of lying about it. There are many other factors and issues, including physical assault, but I think this is my strongest point.

All thoughts and opinions welcome,

Thanks guys"

are you happy in your job in general ?

is it just the bonus thing that is pissing you off ?

can you manage on your basic salary and is the bonus just becoming a bugbear to you ?

have you discussed it with your line manager formally ?

have you asked them to respond ?

is there any precedent within the business of them deliberately not paying bonus to other employees ?

is the bonus scheme realistic for others ?

is it you that is having difficulty fulfilling targets ?

see, now there are just a few questions off the top of my head

hence why i think you probably need to seek some professional advice on this matter

even if you don't take it to the legal stage, at least you will have the proper information on which way to proceed with your career within the business in general.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I am trying to decide whether or not to persue this legally, but I thought I would ask other peoples opinions. Despite the usual of being lied too and treated differently because I asked questions etc, below is a statement that forms part of my contract.

'You will be eligible for a performance related bonus of up to 10% of your basic annual salary per annum'

I understand that the payment of a bonus is discretionary, so if the company didn't have the money that month then they do NOT have to pay a bonus. However, the question I want to know the answer to is this.......

If there was no method e.g. a bonus scheme, for me to make that bonus, is that a breach of contract??

It's a point I brought up all throughout my employment, and I was once accused of lying about it. There are many other factors and issues, including physical assault, but I think this is my strongest point.

All thoughts and opinions welcome,

Thanks guys"

Hi chap

I do believe everyone is entitled to a free 30 minute consultation with a solicitor, may have changed but as of last year it was the case.

Speak to your citizens advice office and make an appointment, they'll be able to tell you more. Other than that speak to ACAS.

Not sure if your company has broken any rules but better seeking legal advice rather than asking us lot lol, good luck.

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By *odareyouMan
over a year ago

not far from iceland,,,,,, tescos is nearer though :-) (near leeds)

You could try the citizens advice bureau..

A lot of solicitors offer a free 1/2 hour consultation, whether that includes employment law not sure, if you're a member of a union they have legal assistance ...

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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone

Thanks for some of the helpful responses guys. Just for some additional info, there were bonus schemes in place for other departments, but my department was a new one being formed. I am just trying to understand whether or not the company can legally put that in a contract, but then not put a scheme in place, without changing my contract. Afterall, if they would have said that they had decided to not have a bonus scheme, but we will change your contract and pay you an extra £1000 a year for example, then that would have cleared the matter up.

And as for those who want to make silly comments. Really? Yes, I'm young, and I am asking for help, but you are how old and get your kicks for trying to make people look silly????? WOW, Ok then, takes all sorts to make the world go round I guess.......

Thanks for the genuine help and responses though

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By *odareyouMan
over a year ago

not far from iceland,,,,,, tescos is nearer though :-) (near leeds)

I type.very slowly so ditto the above comment..

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By *adja_lazloCouple
over a year ago

Solihull


"I am trying to decide whether or not to persue this legally, but I thought I would ask other peoples opinions. Despite the usual of being lied too and treated differently because I asked questions etc, below is a statement that forms part of my contract.

'You will be eligible for a performance related bonus of up to 10% of your basic annual salary per annum'

I understand that the payment of a bonus is discretionary, so if the company didn't have the money that month then they do NOT have to pay a bonus. However, the question I want to know the answer to is this.......

If there was no method e.g. a bonus scheme, for me to make that bonus, is that a breach of contract??

It's a point I brought up all throughout my employment, and I was once accused of lying about it. There are many other factors and issues, including physical assault, but I think this is my strongest point.

All thoughts and opinions welcome,

Thanks guys"

look at your ciontract, if there is a bonus inplace it will be contracted, or try acas

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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone

I have tried CAB, who said to try ACAS, who said to try CAB, and so on and so forth. I am going to hunt around for a local solictor and see if I can get a 30 minute initial consultation thing. I am no longer employed by the company, as I was made redundant, but yes, other departments were receiving their bonus fine.

Please understand, I was not posting on here for legal advice. Just other peoples perception and opinion on what that statement meant.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Thanks for some of the helpful responses guys. Just for some additional info, there were bonus schemes in place for other departments, but my department was a new one being formed. I am just trying to understand whether or not the company can legally put that in a contract, but then not put a scheme in place, without changing my contract. Afterall, if they would have said that they had decided to not have a bonus scheme, but we will change your contract and pay you an extra £1000 a year for example, then that would have cleared the matter up.

And as for those who want to make silly comments. Really? Yes, I'm young, and I am asking for help, but you are how old and get your kicks for trying to make people look silly????? WOW, Ok then, takes all sorts to make the world go round I guess.......

Thanks for the genuine help and responses though "

To change your contract is something you will have been made aware of. A 90 day notice of change is the usual way I believe. Either way you should have been informed. Get proper legal advice though as my knowledge on employment law is a few year old i'm afraid.

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By *etillanteWoman
over a year ago

.


"And as for those who want to make silly comments. Really? Yes, I'm young, and I am asking for help, but you are how old and get your kicks for trying to make people look silly????? WOW, Ok then, takes all sorts to make the world go round I guess.......

Thanks for the genuine help and responses though "

And how else did us oldies get our knowledge, through asking

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire


"I have tried CAB, who said to try ACAS, who said to try CAB, and so on and so forth. I am going to hunt around for a local solictor and see if I can get a 30 minute initial consultation thing. I am no longer employed by the company, as I was made redundant, but yes, other departments were receiving their bonus fine.

Please understand, I was not posting on here for legal advice. Just other peoples perception and opinion on what that statement meant."

The citizens advice bureau now have solicitors available to you. You can go to the cab and they will give you an assessment and decide if a solicitor is the option for you. Good luck

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By *inaTitzTV/TS
over a year ago

Titz Towers, North Notts

You could also take it up with the area convenor of your union if you are in one.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 19/01/12 13:23:50]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I I am no longer employed by the company, as I was made redundant, but yes, other departments were receiving their bonus fine.

"

Now that just adds a whole new dimension and set of questions

Can I ask what your motivation is for pursuing this ?

If it is for devilment or because you feel let down by your former employer, it could work out quite a costly and not necessarily successful exercise for you.

The fact you talk of 'departments' suggests they are a sizeable business and likely to be legally savvy and better armed to come out of this positively.

That doesn't mean they are right in what they did or didn't do, just that they are likely to have thought about it before they did !

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Something I sort of remember about payments in employment law is that it may be time critical.

As I dealt with mainly temps in recruitment it may not apply to full time positions though.

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

If you are not working at the moment you may be entitled to legal aid. Not sure what matters you can get legal aid for, but its a thought

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

All depends on what your contract says and how they have acted in the past, with you and other employees. Does your contract go on to give more detail on bonus payments, if so what does it say?

And how have they paid bonuses to staff before?; Has there been a scheme in place in the past and now there's not?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"You could try the citizens advice bureau..

A lot of solicitors offer a free 1/2 hour consultation, whether that includes employment law not sure, if you're a member of a union they have legal assistance ... "
yes he should do and thay will tell him where to find what he is looking for .

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By *obbytupperMan
over a year ago

Menston near Ilkley

I don't think I rolled my eyes and if you check you will see that I used a great big smiley because what I was saying was tongue in cheek.

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By *ath-N-DelCouple
over a year ago

Glasgow area

Performance related bonuses can be paid to some and not others....

Just because some are getting a bonus doesn't mean you will....

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire


"I don't think I rolled my eyes and if you check you will see that I used a great big smiley because what I was saying was tongue in cheek.

"

Did i say you had rolled your eyes in this thread????

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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone

Nobody in our department received a bonus as we didnt have a bonus scheme in place, but other departments had a bonus scheme in place and quite often received bonuses.

I was the only one in the department to have that written into my contract.

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By *ath-N-DelCouple
over a year ago

Glasgow area

[Removed by poster at 19/01/12 13:35:18]

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By *ath-N-DelCouple
over a year ago

Glasgow area

If you do take it further, be prepared for them to say your performance didn't merit a bonus...

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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone

I am, and I have a shareholder's statement contrary to that

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 19/01/12 13:38:21]

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

wow lots of posts in the time it take me to post that lol. ditto scoot, there are time limits in making a claim if thats what you wish to do. and yes, to make changes in a contract a notice period applies. however, contracts are not all about whats in writing; you can complete a contract by performance alone. ie, they ask you to do something and you do it, as long as it's a reasonable request and based on circumstances of course, your acceptance of it is given by your actually doing it - that constitutes a contract too. There are also legal implications made by yours and their actions that may also form part of your contract but that are not written down. It's complicated lol and I'm no expert, so definately seek proper legal advice from an employment law specialist. Most soliciors will give a free consultation. Good luck

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Think the use of the word 'eligible' means they can bend the rules and do what they want. Citizens advice will sort you out in minutes on it.

Good luck xx

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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone

I am going to go to the CAB tomorrow, with my contract, and see what they say. Every time I ring them, they say speak to ACAS, and ACAS don't provide much help at all

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By *obbytupperMan
over a year ago

Menston near Ilkley


"I am going to go to the CAB tomorrow, with my contract, and see what they say. Every time I ring them, they say speak to ACAS, and ACAS don't provide much help at all "

That is your best course, speak to the experts. The company will have done before drawing up the contract.

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By *odareyouMan
over a year ago

not far from iceland,,,,,, tescos is nearer though :-) (near leeds)

I've read your original post again, and this isn't with any degree of knowledge.. so do get advice..

There wasn't a measure set for your performance to be measured against..?? If thats the case how can there be a bonus scheme ..? They're both inter linked, I guess it come down to how you read it, and a lot of the parts of contracts are based on interpretations,

Good luck...

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By *aGaGagging for itCouple
over a year ago

Newcastle upon Tyne


"I am trying to decide whether or not to persue this legally, but I thought I would ask other peoples opinions. Despite the usual of being lied too and treated differently because I asked questions etc, below is a statement that forms part of my contract.

'You will be eligible for a performance related bonus of up to 10% of your basic annual salary per annum'

I understand that the payment of a bonus is discretionary, so if the company didn't have the money that month then they do NOT have to pay a bonus. However, the question I want to know the answer to is this.......

If there was no method e.g. a bonus scheme, for me to make that bonus, is that a breach of contract??

It's a point I brought up all throughout my employment, and I was once accused of lying about it. There are many other factors and issues, including physical assault, but I think this is my strongest point.

All thoughts and opinions welcome,

Thanks guys

"eligible" means you could get it, not you will get it. If they have not commenced a bonus system, they have not denied your eligibility for such a scheme, when and if they implement one. Also, unfortunately, people forget that 0 is a number, meaning that "up to 10%" includes 0% .

Understand totally what you are saying, morally you are quite right, legally, they will probably wipe the floor with you.

Sorry."

+1

It appears that the bonus is discretionary, rather than automatic, so there is no obligation to pay. The lack of a formal scheme does not mean that they will not pay one and / or are in breach of contract. If however, they pay others a bonus and using the same criteria that they were paid it, you should have got a bonus, you could construe yourself as having been treated unfairly, or as having been discriminated against.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I am trying to decide whether or not to persue this legally, but I thought I would ask other peoples opinions. Despite the usual of being lied too and treated differently because I asked questions etc, below is a statement that forms part of my contract.

'You will be eligible for a performance related bonus of up to 10% of your basic annual salary per annum'

I understand that the payment of a bonus is discretionary, so if the company didn't have the money that month then they do NOT have to pay a bonus. However, the question I want to know the answer to is this.......

If there was no method e.g. a bonus scheme, for me to make that bonus, is that a breach of contract??

It's a point I brought up all throughout my employment, and I was once accused of lying about it. There are many other factors and issues, including physical assault, but I think this is my strongest point.

All thoughts and opinions welcome,

Thanks guys"

If the bonus is discretionary then does that not mean that the bonus does not have to be paid at all, and up to 10% could be 0%

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Firstly, speaking to CAB or speaking t ACAS is probably going to be pretty futile - just look at your experiences do far. Similarly, for the amounts involved I doubt a solicitor will be interested, the fees will probably outweigh what you could win. Equally no win no fee solicitors are generally only interested in personal injury cases.

I actually think you have a case. I have worked in companies with formal bonus structures. Achieve certain targets and you get the bonus. My understanding is that you signed a contract on this basis but then were moved to a department with no bonus structure. At this point your employers should have re-written your contract. They didn't so they are in breach of contract.

The problem you have is prooving how much they owe you? If you can substantiate that, I would think that small claims court would be your best (only?) option.

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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone

Thanks for all the advice guys.

My problem isn't to do with whether or not I got paid a bonus. My problem is that I signed a contract under the clear impression that I would be able to earn a bonus, but then later found out that there was no bonus scheme for my department and there were no plans to.

When I brought this up with my managers, I was first told that it was something that a manager said by mistake, and I was then accused of lying when I said it was in my contract.

I completely understand that payment of a bonus is discretionary. But you can't say to someone that you are eligle for a bonus, knowing that it is not possible for that person to earn a bonus. I am 98% convinced that is illegal under common law.

Again, I was just asking others how they saw it. If you were in my shoes, and that was in your contract, but afterwards you were told that there is NO bonus scheme, what would you think/do?

I'm trying to think of another way to put it..........but I can't at the moment.

Thanks again

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think the word 'eligible' is they key here.

I'm 'eligible' to apply for a bank loan but am not gauranteed to get it.

Could be wrong, there again I'm not a solicitor although I wish I was because I'd like a big wage and a posh car

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo

There really isn't any need for the nasty / patronising and trying to humilate type posts when someone starts a thread asking for advice.

If you don't want to be polite while giving your advice or you don't want to read these type of threads then ignore them, it is easily done.

Please respect other posters as it is a requirement of the forums to still being able to post.

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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone


"I think the word 'eligible' is they key here.

I'm 'eligible' to apply for a bank loan but am not gauranteed to get it.

Could be wrong, there again I'm not a solicitor although I wish I was because I'd like a big wage and a posh car "

This is true, but if there were no banks, how could you apply for a loan, let alone be able to get one?!

And yes, I would like a posh car and big pay cheque too

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

[Removed by poster at 19/01/12 19:54:48]

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By *iewMan
Forum Mod
over a year ago

Angus & Findhorn

did you sign up to a balanced score card regarding your yearly objectives, were they re_iewed thro the year with your manager. Did they back date a target lift that made you not achieve, that is a tactic often used.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Breach of promise is very difficult to prove in any area of law.

An employer can change any term of your employment contract with only 12 weeks notice.

There are always clauses and conditions to any bonus agreement, and the one that says "at the descretion of the management" covers all sorts of instances.

Good luck mate

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Breach of promise is very difficult to prove in any area of law.

An employer can change any term of your employment contract with only 12 weeks notice.

There are always clauses and conditions to any bonus agreement, and the one that says "at the descretion of the management" covers all sorts of instances.

Good luck mate"

I think that the difference here is that from what the OP says they never changed his contract. I personally think that is where they fell down and also why he may (and it's a big may) have a case.

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By *am sampsonMan
over a year ago

cwmbran


"wow lots of posts in the time it take me to post that lol. ditto scoot, there are time limits in making a claim if thats what you wish to do. and yes, to make changes in a contract a notice period applies. however, contracts are not all about whats in writing; you can complete a contract by performance alone. ie, they ask you to do something and you do it, as long as it's a reasonable request and based on circumstances of course, your acceptance of it is given by your actually doing it - that constitutes a contract too. There are also legal implications made by yours and their actions that may also form part of your contract but that are not written down. It's complicated lol and I'm no expert, so definately seek proper legal advice from an employment law specialist. Most soliciors will give a free consultation. Good luck"

you can only have a contract if there is consideration on both parts - if someone ask you to do something and you do it that is not a contract - you have to have something in return.

Put everything you have in writing send it of to some no win no fee companies reserach them first and see if any deal with industrial disputes

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Put everything you have in writing send it of to some no win no fee companies reserach them first and see if any deal with industrial disputes"

No win no fee solicitors almost exclusively only deal with personal injury claims.

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By *am sampsonMan
over a year ago

cwmbran


"Put everything you have in writing send it of to some no win no fee companies reserach them first and see if any deal with industrial disputes

No win no fee solicitors almost exclusively only deal with personal injury claims."

the key word there is "almost" thats why I said do some research its suprising whats out there

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By *am sampsonMan
over a year ago

cwmbran

[Removed by poster at 19/01/12 20:37:00]

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By *am sampsonMan
over a year ago

cwmbran

don't know if any one has mentioned it but often you have legal cover as part of your house insurance so that is another avenue to explore for advice

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You will be eligible for a performance related bonus of up to 10% of your basic annual salary per annum'

If you receive this bonus annually based on a performance re_iew by a superior or someone that you report to that rates you well yes they are within their rights to withdraw it.

However if your Employer has Year on Year paid this bonus without any re_iew then the status quo prevails and per your contract then your bonus should be paid in full.

If you can prove the latter, threaten them, they'll loose in court, unless they've something on you like logging on here whilst in work on a Company owned machine!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"wow lots of posts in the time it take me to post that lol. ditto scoot, there are time limits in making a claim if thats what you wish to do. and yes, to make changes in a contract a notice period applies. however, contracts are not all about whats in writing; you can complete a contract by performance alone. ie, they ask you to do something and you do it, as long as it's a reasonable request and based on circumstances of course, your acceptance of it is given by your actually doing it - that constitutes a contract too. There are also legal implications made by yours and their actions that may also form part of your contract but that are not written down. It's complicated lol and I'm no expert, so definately seek proper legal advice from an employment law specialist. Most soliciors will give a free consultation. Good luck

you can only have a contract if there is consideration on both parts - if someone ask you to do something and you do it that is not a contract - you have to have something in return.

Put everything you have in writing send it of to some no win no fee companies reserach them first and see if any deal with industrial disputes"

Hi, yeah you're completely right I was trying to keep it simple is all, didn't think the OP would want a complete breakdown of all elements of a contract lol. I think the company's payment of a salary is consideration enough in this context, though like I said, I'm no expert, and agree with you and everyone else that he needs to seek proper legal advice. I was screwed over by an employer when I was 16 and didnt have the guts or knowledge to do anything about it, always regretted that!

Good luck OP. x

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By *aGaGagging for itCouple
over a year ago

Newcastle upon Tyne

Employment contracts have to be in writing and if it says that you are eleigible for a bonus, but in practice there is not the opportunity to get one, you may have a case. However, you would have to prove that there was no chance of getting one or get your employer to admit that. The easy option would be for them to say that there is the possibility to get one but you haven't got one due to your performance, or the performance of the company. Even if you were to win on principle, an assessment would be made as to what bonus you would have got had the company entiled you to get one - which may be nil.

Have you thought of joining a Union if not in one already, as they would give you advice.

Have you also thought about whether or not you want to stay in the job, as pusshing the issue will not make you flavour of the month with your employer. If you do push it, be certain that come the next round of redundancies, they will find a reason to put you top of the list and be careful to do it in a way that seems legally legitimate!

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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone

I was made redundant by the company, so no chance of keeping the choice. I was even physically pushed around by managers, sworn at, called names n all of that, but I couldn't walk out of a job because of childishness. We are in a recession afterall, but in the eyes of the law, if I would have quit, then I could have easily won a constructive dismissal claim and been entitled to much more money.

I've tried unions, but there isn't one for my sector and my international trade body wont help.

The long and short of it is I suppose is that I want what I believe is owed to me, and a little bit of justice, so I can close this chapter in my life and move on.

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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone

Thanks for all the advice and kind words so far

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By *adchickCouple
over a year ago

Cyprus

We used to get a performance related bonus (thats now locked down due to recession, that and a 3 year pay freeze).

Ours bonus was always based on our performance over the year. Whether you went over and above your duties, went the extra mile, what your asperations where, did we meet all of our objectives etc and then it was looked out by someone out of our own service area and a reward was made (normally £350 before anyone starts jumping on the "civil service get paid too much" bandwagon.

The way you have worded your opening post OP, I would suspect that it was a bonus on your performance over the year. You don't have to be given goals or even a way to earn it, it is just earned for going that little bit further...... in which case, you have no case at all because it would be the companies discretion.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Have you thought of joining a Union if not in one already, as they would give you advice."

I am always in favour of joining a Union and encourage those I work with to do so.

However, OP was made redundant so may not be the thing to do at the moment. Also most Unions won't offer any profesional advice for a period of time (Unite was 3 months, for example) to stop people joining, getting help and then cancelling their membership once the help has been given.

You are entitled to 30 minutes with a solicitor, go see one. Legal aid is no longer available for employment law cases now, though, so if they took it on it would be on a no win no fee, or a payment or percentage of settlement basis. If the solicitor thinks you have a case, they may still not take the case on, though, because there is a lot of work in employment tribunal and not a lot of money in it and the law costs a lot (which is one of the reasons why the Gov't stopped offering legal aid in employment law cases.....).

Good luck.

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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone

Thanks,

Other departments got a bonus based on the amount of jobs they did, client satisfaction surveys and all that jazz

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By *adchickCouple
over a year ago

Cyprus

Like you said though, yours was a new department, being set up. I would expect there to be a bedding in period for the department before things like bonus's were included as standard.

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By *ominantPerv85 OP   Man
over a year ago

Maidstone

Fair point, although I was the only person in the department to have that in their contract and I was employed for 21 months. I do see what you're saying though

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