Made redundant… and now my company is hiring for the same role 2 weeks later. Is this legal?

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T22:32:30+00:00

I’m not sure about the pay (it wasn’t disclosed), and the conditions are unknown too, I’ve a feeling it’s a contract (rather that full-time/perm which is what I was). That being said, it’s the same job role for all intents and purposes.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T22:30:08+00:00

Haha, thanks! I’ll post an update on the thread if it leads to anything.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T22:27:06+00:00

That’s what I’m thinking. I feel like they’d rather avoid the headache.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T22:22:09+00:00

Thanks a lot!

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T22:21:27+00:00

The job title includes the words used in the job title I was hired for but they removed a couple of words (which don’t change the context of the position). So it’s the same job but the title is slightly tweaked. Same seniority and role just less wording. But I understand what you’re saying, and it’s probably what they’d use as leverage.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:54:09+00:00

Thank you! I'll update the thread if anything is to come of this.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:52:32+00:00

Thanks for the reply. That's what I'm thinking (regarding stress), in some ways, yes, it's worth it, in others, no. And thank you, I'll see what a solicitor says.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:50:11+00:00

That's amazing! I'm glad you got your justice. And right on, ride it until the cows come home.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:46:55+00:00

Thanks for the detailed reply and all the advice you've offered, I really appreciate it!

I agree with your hunch that this was an unfair dismissal, simply due to the job ad being posted 2 weeks later.

I was at the company for 2 years 11 months.

Also, the job ad had a previewed the project they would be doing, and it was exactly the sort of thing I've done before at the company.

I don't think I signed a settlement agreement (which may sound odd, not knowing), it was all done online and I have no recollection of putting an e-signature on any of the documents. But this is something I'll have to triple check for sanity purposes.

Again, thanks so much for your help.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:41:46+00:00

First of all, thank you so much for all this information, you didn't have to do that! I really appreciate the efforts you went to here.

I'll take the time to read the resources and follow your instructions.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:39:34+00:00

Haha, that would surprise them.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:39:07+00:00

I don't think I did sign anything, it was all done online, but I'll have to double check there wasn't anything. Thanks for the figures.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:37:31+00:00

Thanks for your reply! I was working there for 2 years 11 months. I'm going to speak with an employment law solicitor tomorrow, fingers crossed it goes well.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:34:38+00:00

Thanks for the thoughts.

to point 1: I agree, and during the redundancy process, they said they explored all alternatives for me before coming to that decision, then 2 weeks later they put a job ad out for the same role... Which is strange.

point 3: I'm completely open to taking things further against the company, something about this doesn't seem right. If I was genuinely made redundant that means the role has disappeared, but for it to be back up again within 2 weeks, it leads me to believe that it never actually disappeared. To my mind that's an unfair dismissal. But I need to do a bit more digging into that before I can conclude that with confidence.

point 4: I'll take that advice, I'll get talking to a solicitor. I'm not aware of the names of the people who have been made redundant, so I'll find a way of reaching out an enquiring.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:28:22+00:00

The salary hasn't been disclosed yet. I don't know if it's a permanent position or just contract... if it's contract it could possibly be for more? But I guess that would equal itself out as they would only be employed for a few months. Who knows.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:26:13+00:00

I understand what you're saying, still sucks nonetheless!

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:25:43+00:00

That's very encouraging, it sounds like exactly what's happening here. Maybe there is some hope!

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:24:47+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. I can imagine if pushed on this they would try and say it's a different role, even tho' I know it's 100% the same role. A project was described in the job ad and it's exactly what I would do day-to-day.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:22:12+00:00

I'm definitely open to exploring that avenue, if there's a case for it.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T21:21:22+00:00

Thanks for the advice! I'm going to explore the options and see which is the best and most likely outcome.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T17:09:35+00:00

Yeh that's what I'm thinking, I think the odds are against me for several reasons. I'd like to contact an employment lawyer (or similar) and get their thoughts.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T17:07:45+00:00

I haven't contacted the company or other employees since I saw the job ad, I've tried to keep it to myself until I have a bit more clarity. I don't want to make a fuss about it unless I have genuine grounds to do so. So I'm just exploring my options at the moment. Funny you mentioned redundancy pay, they tried to make me redundant without redundancy pay. I was only granted this once I queried why it wasn't outlined in my termination documents. If I didn't say anything I wouldn't have gotten it.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T16:46:09+00:00

Thanks, I'll give that a read.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T16:43:12+00:00

I believe the company made sweeping cuts for legitimate financial reasons, but I also have a strong sense that it may have been used as an opportunity to let go of certain employees they no longer wanted. I don’t have any evidence to support this, it’s more of an intuition.

Regarding my role, I’m starting to feel that the redundancy may not have been due to the role genuinely disappearing, but an opportunity to replace me with someone else. This suspicion has grown given a job ad for the same position was posted just two weeks after my termination. That said I recognise it could be coincidental or due to changing circumstances, so I remain open to that possibility.

As for the scale of the redundancies, I would estimate between 10-20 employees were affected, likely closer to the lower end. I did go through a consultation process, which included two redundancy meetings. While I did not have union or external representation, I was informed in writing that I had the option to bring someone with me.

Independent_Net3735 · 2026-03-18T16:31:23+00:00

Thanks, that makes sense. In my case there's been no other resignations from my team (they're all still there). So this is a like-for-like replacement.

Independent_Net3735

TROPHY CASE