Correct Procedure Followed? Redundancy consultation

Hi, this is the 1st time I have been made redundant and am not sure if my employer has followed the correct procedures.

I have worked for the company for 7 years and I was told verbally by my md in November that the store I manage could possibly be closing and that myself and 4 staff could lose our jobs in April. I was told not to say anything at that point.

I was then phoned in early January on my day off and told it is definitely closing and I would be made redundant but date not known as a closing down sale would have to take place first but it would probably be mid april.

3 weeks ago. I was told as I was leaving one evening that last week in april was probable but it may be end of May if the closing sale was busy!

1 week ago. I was told as I arrived at work that regardless of the sale I would be going end of April.

As you can imagine I am a bit confused. At no point yet have I had anything in writing and I don't think the above could be regarded as a consultation meeting ( which seems to be part of the redundancy procedure) as on all occasions they were chance meetings that I wasnt expecting and they lasted about 2 minutes.

I would be grateful if anyone could advise me if any of the above counts as official notice of risk of redundancy (I thought it had to be in writing) and if procedures have been followed. If they have not, what is my next step as I do not feel I should be prompting my employer on what he shoulld be doing.

Dear Recon

Because you have been informally informed that the store is going to close then this is not the point where the statutory redundancy process kicks in. You must be given a letter inviting you to a consultation meeting where you can challenge the closure of the shop more, discuss your financial payments due and anything else you wish to avoid the closure. However, as in most retail shops these days it is hard to find ways to keep a store open when it is losing so much money which is I guess what has happened with your store?

During the consultation you should also be informed of any other positions that are available in the Company if there are other stores remaining open.

For you to prompt your employer on the right process visit the BERR or Acas websites.

Hope this has helped.

Best wishes

Carol

Hi Carol, thanks for the very quick reply.

It is helpful knowing that the fomal process hasn't actually started, one reason being that the suggested date of my redundancy is very close to the 7 weeks notice I believe I am due, which may possibly mean I will be entitled to pay in lieu of notice. How quickly after the first formal letter can the consultation period be ended?