At Croydon health Services NHS trust there are currently nine ongoing redundancy consultations, with more likely coming.
If you are affected by one of these consultations, please get in touch with your branch ch-tr.unison@nhs.net so your branch can support you.
UNISON Advice to Members Affected by the Restructure
1. Understand the Consultation Process
The consultation period lasts 30 days, followed by a 7-day window to submit expressions of interest for roles.
You are not required to submit anything until the consultation period ends.
Use this time to review all documents carefully and attend one-to-one meetings with management (with a union rep if possible).
2. Know Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Be consulted meaningfully about changes to your role.
- Be accompanied by a union representative in any one-to-one or formal meeting.
- Be considered for suitable alternative employment if your current role is at risk.
- A trial period (minimum 4 weeks, extendable) in any new role offered.
- Redundancy pay if no suitable alternative can be found.
3. Interview and Expression of Interest Support
Management has agreed to provide interview preparation support.
The expression of interest form will be simple and voluntary.
If you feel unprepared for interviews, request training or coaching as early as possible.
4. Demand Transparency
UNISON supports calls for:
- A clear breakdown of cost savings from the restructure.
- Justification for why administrative roles are being targeted.
You are entitled to ask for:
- The budget before and after the restructure.
- The rationale for creating new roles while removing others.
5. Protect Your Time
You should not be expected to review consultation documents during breaks or in between duties. Ask for protected time to read and understand the documents and prepare your response.
6. Stay United and Informed
Whether you are a UNISON member or not, collective action and communication are key.
Consider joining a joint union meeting to discuss shared concerns and strategies.
If you are not yet a member of a union, now is a good time to join UNISON for support and representation.
Join UNISON | Croydon University Hospital
Further resources:
Unison information:
Redundancy | Terminating or suspending employment | UNISON National
NHS Employers Guidance on Redundancy:
NHS Redundancy Arrangements
This page outlines key information and FAQs for NHS staff under Section 16 of the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook. It includes:
-
- Eligibility for redundancy
- How redundancy pay is calculated
- Suitable alternative employment
- Redundancy and maternity/paternity leave
👉 Read the full guidance
Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS)
MARS is a voluntary severance scheme that may be offered as an alternative to redundancy. It allows staff to leave with a severance payment and helps trusts manage workforce changes.
👉 Learn about MARS
Updated Redundancy Protection for Parents
Employees who are pregnant or recently returned from parental leave have extended protection from redundancy. They must be offered suitable alternative roles if available.
👉 View the updated legislation
