I have recently been made redundant and I am the only person in a company of approx 20. I was first told in an informal chat on the 9th February that I was to be chosen to be made redundant this was then followed by a letter dated the 12th February (not given to me I hasten to had until 16th Feb). The letter only states that the company has seen a significant drop in revenue & profits and my job as PA to the Managing Director may well become redundant.
The letter states that they are inviting me to a formal meeting in 28 days to discuss options available to me and I am currently in a 28 day consultation period.
However they havent told me the reasons for choosing me other than the MD no longer needs a PA. Although that is my job title I do a lot more than that - I am responsible for a lot of the administration work for the company.
One of the main managers came up to the North today and asked if I wanted a chat which I refused as I wanted to wait until the formal meeting (which he advised I can ring him any time to arrange?) - Should they have provided me with the reasons as to why they have chosen me in more depth?
I have also heard rumours that they are going to offer me an alternative job on half the salary I am currently receiving - Am I within my rights to refuse this offer and not jeopardise my redundancy pay in any way? I have worked for the company for 20 years so you can imagine this is causing me a lot of stress at the moment. We were taken over 3 yrs ago and I feel they do not know the extent of my work neither do they know me personally. The alternative job will probably end up being the job I currently do as my work will need to be delegated to other staff when I leave.

Any help or advise will be much appreciated as I am due for my meeting in approx 2 weeks time - Should I be ringing them to arrange a date or should they tell me? Also my contract of employment states 6 months notice which I will probably work - As I am now in a 28 day consultation period when will my 6 months notice begin? Will it be when the official decision has been made?