This briefing summarises the consultation paper by section, and provides some initial analysis and comment. The LGA will make its further analysis available to member authorities to assist with the preparation of consultation responses. These are due with DCLG by 24 September 2012. http://www.local.gov.uk/web/guest/briefings-and-responses/-/journal_content/56/10171/3651530/ARTICLE-TEMPLATE

Redundancy - How far can the company make you travel to relocate, instead of paying redundancy? Today i have been told the company is closing my place of work. I am due to start my 90 days consultation process. It has been suggested that i relocate to another branch. This branch is 23 miles away. I don't drive. I will have to get two buses and it will take me between 2 - 2 1/2 hours to get to work. (never mind get back) So a possible 5 hour round trip. I will have to leave the house at 6.30am and won't return until 8.30pm. I am currently learning to drive but will not pass my test by the time this is proposed. I have worked for the company for 7 years. The new contract they are offering me is generally the same as i am on now. Same amount of hours, similar days (full time, fully flexible), same pay, (however they are considering whether to pay my extra expenses to get to work) One difference is i would be working more weekends than in my previous role. The company states the following, "if an individual declines an alternative contract/job role which is different from their previous contract job role they will be entitled to redundancy. If however an individual is offered a contract/ job role which is the same as their previous role contract/ job role, with no changes to their contacted hours, days or work or rate per hour then they would not be entitled to redundancy." Furthermore, I checked my contract and it states the following, "The base location of your employment is (****** the name of my town) althought the company reserves the right to amend this as the needs of the business demand and you may therefore be required to work in alternative locations either on a permanent or temporary basis." Please help. Do you think I am entitled to redundancy pay if i chose not to take the job at the other branch? Kind regards Waltolla

They say that their rising costs must be met by increased fees to licenceholders. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/cars/article-2148159/DVLA-hike-fees-drivers-offset-EU-costs.html

My company is embarking on a program of redundancies as a cost saving measure. We are currently coming to the end of 'collective consultation'. We asked the question "Is there a voluntary redundancy programme?" the answer was that there is no official program, but you can put yourself forward and the company would consider it. The cuts are drastic (about 70%). Some people would prefer to be made redundant. I am considering putting myself forward but I am not really sure what the risks are? Where does that leave me afterwards, if I am declined? i.e. once I 'show my cards' as it were? Collective consultation ends quite soon and then I guess we will find out who has been 'put at risk'. If I am NOT selected, perhaps that would be the best time to put myself forward? Or is there any downsides of leaving it until after collective consultation? Would be grateful of any advice esp. if there are risks I am overlooking. I have been through redundancy programs (and survived) several times before, but I have never wanted to leave before. Thanks.