I have been working for a company for over a year, and this past December they told me that my position was being consolidated to another province. They have offered me a decent severance and retention bonus. But I need to find a new job, I have just over 2 weeks left, and my boss tells me that I should not be going to interviews during work hours, only on my lunch and after work. the corporate boss said that they were more than compensating for my loss, and I should not be looking for work at all until my term is up. This seems unfair as they are putting me out of work, and most places that I could go for interview will only do so during working hours. What should I do?
2006-09-14 03:53:31 · 14 answers · asked by kackaway 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
It appears as though you are in Canada, since you refer to your province. If so, then there may be specific laws in your province which govern your question and you should ask someone at an agency about that. However, let me say this generally about your situation: Would it be nice and considerate if your employer let you interview on work time? Yes, it would. Companies often enable such interviews. However, they do not have to. It's a "nice to do", not a "must do". I would guess that your employer feels the severance they are providing you is of more than adequate duration to allow you to find another job. They're probably arguing that once you are laid off, they're still paying you (via severance pay) and thus, when you interview during your lay-off period, they will be paying you for those interviews. Thus, they want all of the work out of you before your lay-off date that they can get.
Is this the prettiest picture of a company's action? No, but sometimes that's just the way it is. Accept it, interview like crazy once you're laid off, and maybe you can start your new job and still keep some of your severance pay in the bank....
2006-09-14 04:01:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately for you, the employer is right. You are still on their time and working on their terms and conditions. They could have fired you and then they wouldn't have had to give you retention bonus or severance. They don't have to give a severance package at all even if they are laying you off. They are compensating for the loss of work. You have two choices, you can either quit and lose the severance package or stick it out and look for a job once you are out.
2006-09-14 11:06:06 · answer #2 · answered by worldneverchanges 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stand up for yourself a bit. Tell them you feel it is unfair regardless of your severance. Your severance pays you money and you get to keep your benefits for a time or say go on Cobra, but then that is your expense and not your employers unless your severance compensates for the Cobra payment included and not just your regular pay. They are costing you money in time that you could be putting towards finding another job to start immediately with so you won't have to incur the Health insurance bill or lose health insurance altogether because you won't be able to pay for it. They do not have to pay for the time that you are on the interviews however and that time should be deducted from your current pay while searching and interviewing.
2006-09-14 11:09:02 · answer #3 · answered by peacemaker 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with you, you should be able to go look for a job. I would discuss it with my current employer and let them know how important it is that you have a job. I don't know what you're current position is but if it in a highly competitive industry they need to give you time to look.
I would also tell my current employer that you will everything possible to make sure that you keep the time you're away at a minimum, i.e., go to and come right back from the interview, don't dawdle; skip lunch or go to work early or stay late if you need to interview during office hours, let them know you're doing all you can to get your work done. I would hope that if they see you putting in the effort to be there that they will be willing to cooperate with you during this time of transition.
I wish you the best of luck!
2006-09-14 11:03:45 · answer #4 · answered by i have no idea 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No they are right! Even though your being laid off soon a job is still a job! The didnt have to compensate you for you getting laid off you know! You should be going ot interviews on your time not thiers!
2006-09-14 10:57:51 · answer #5 · answered by . 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are right. It would be inappropriate. However, you already exposed your hand. You shouldn't have said anything and just called in late. Do the "your car is in the shop and you need 2-3 hours" thing. Your kid is sick, you need to pick him up at the school, another 2 hours. On and on.
One other thing, I have no problem with being inappropriate. You have your bills to be concerned about.
2006-09-14 10:56:33 · answer #6 · answered by BiyGuy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. They are still paying you to do your job during company time.
Take a sick day if you have any, or leave time.. and do interviews on your own time.
2006-09-14 12:59:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are laying you off, then you have every right to go to other job interviews. You need a job when this one ends correct? You stuck it out and are going thru to the end, they should allow it.
2006-09-14 10:57:40 · answer #8 · answered by mysticalfairygoddess 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In the Uk, if you are made redundant, you are entitled to time off to attend interviews and look for a job.
2006-09-14 10:55:45 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you are in the uk then you are entitled to time of for interviews regardless of any other package you have been offered but if you are anywhere else i dont know
2006-09-14 11:02:37 · answer #10 · answered by Sally H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋