Redundancy

[FKL1980]

I've just been told I'm beiung made redundant

I wonder if it's connected to skirt-wearing and whether I can make a claim. Any legal types out there who can advise?

[Milfmog]

I've just been told I'm being made redundant

Sorry to learn that Edward, it's not a good time to be looking for work.

I wonder if it's connected to skirt-wearing and whether I can make a claim. Any legal types out there who can advise?

If you can prove that skirt wearing had something to do with the decision you may be able to build a case. However it will also depend on what you do for a living (could impact on reasonable expectations or safety issues) and whether you wore skirts to work. If you only skirt in your own time then if skirt wearing was part of the decision process clearly that is unacceptable, however I suspect that it will be difficult or impossible to demonstrate to a tribunal that your fashion choices had anything to do with the company's decision.

To date you have not told us where you are so I can't even offer any web links as the level of legal protection varies significantly between countries. However our old friend Mr Google will be able to point you in the right direction if you search for something like "redundancy law [country]". A bit of reading will probably help you to understand your rights so that you will at least know what questions you need to ask.

Fingers crossed for you.


Ian.

[Colin]

Sorry to hear about your redundancy, FLK 1980. I hope that you find suitable alternative employment soon. I was made redundant at the age of 48, but after a painful year out of work, feeling unwanted and too old, I have been in work since. I am now 60. Many companies don't want to bother training young people, so we oldies are needed again.
I hope that someone soon recognises your value and wants to employ you, regardless of dress codes. I sail close to the wind sometimes by not wearing a neck tie at work meetings.

[FKL1980]

I've just been told I'm being made redundant

Sorry to learn that Edward, it's not a good time to be looking for work.

I wonder if it's connected to skirt-wearing and whether I can make a claim. Any legal types out there who can advise?

If you can prove that skirt wearing had something to do with the decision you may be able to build a case. However it will also depend on what you do for a living (could impact on reasonable expectations or safety issues) and whether you wore skirts to work. If you only skirt in your own time then if skirt wearing was part of the decision process clearly that is unacceptable, however I suspect that it will be difficult or impossible to demonstrate to a tribunal that your fashion choices had anything to do with the company's decision.

To date you have not told us where you are so I can't even offer any web links as the level of legal protection varies significantly between countries. However our old friend Mr Google will be able to point you in the right direction if you search for something like "redundancy law [country]". A bit of reading will probably help you to understand your rights so that you will at least know what questions you need to ask.

Fingers crossed for you.


Ian.

Thanks for your messages guys. I worked in an office in England. I'm sure skirt-wearing was the reason, they made a far higher percentage of skirt-wearers redundant than non-skirt-wearers. They won't admit this though, so I think I'm going to have to leave it.

Hopefully I'll find a new job soon. Curran, working as a cleaner is one of the things I'd consider, given the current difficulties in finding work due to the credit crunch. Wouls I be able to wear a skirt while working? Can you PM me your phone number so we can discuss, if it was a serious comment. I'm feeling better already, what a great forum this is.

[Milfmog]

Hi Edward,

I'm intrigued by this:

I'm sure skirt-wearing was the reason, they made a far higher percentage of skirt-wearers redundant than non-skirt-wearers.

A higher percentage of skirt wearers? How many were female? I ask because I've not come across any references on line to an office with more than one male skirt wearer; let's be honest, even one guy in a skirt at work is a rarity.

Good luck with job hunt.


Ian.

[FKL1980]

Hi Edward,

I'm intrigued by this:

I'm sure skirt-wearing was the reason, they made a far higher percentage of skirt-wearers redundant than non-skirt-wearers.

A higher percentage of skirt wearers? How many were female? I ask because I've not come across any references on line to an office with more than one male skirt wearer; let's be honest, even one guy in a skirt at work is a rarity.

Good luck with job hunt.


Ian.

Ian,
My apologies, I meant there was a higher proportion of male skirt-wearers made redundant than male non-skirt-wearers.

Thanks for the good wishes.

[Milfmog]

Ian,
My apologies, I meant there was a higher proportion of male skirt-wearers made redundant than male non-skirt-wearers.

Thanks for the good wishes.

I got that, but just how many male skirt wearers (MSWs) were there? Were you the only guy laid off or were there other MSWs in the office? Did you (and any other MSWs) wear skirts while you were on the clock or was it just an "own time" thing? If you had more than one or two MSWs in the company, are you prepared to say what sort of business you were in or to name the company? (Hint: they can't fire you now or maybe that should be ).

Have fun,


Ian.

PS No need to answer if you don't want to, after all I'm just being nosey, but a company that had multiple MSWs would probably be interesting to others here.