Told I have to train remaining employees my skills which are unique in the company

I hope that someone can confirm this for me.

I have been told that, "before I leave", I have to train other employees in the skills that I have to operate certain technical equipment that no one else in the Company knows how to use. I am employed in a technical capacity. I had previously been told that my expertise was no longer required as they were not going to be doing such work in the future, hence it was a redundancy situation. Clearly this is not the case.

I have refused, it was not well received. Surely this is wholly unreasonable as it effectively has me assisting them in making myself redundant?

Veiled threats issued that I will be breaching my contract if I do not comply and putting my redundancy payment at risk and that if I do agree to, they will consider PILON.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks.

There are two issues here. First, it sounds like you may be able to claim unfair dismissal on the grounds that it is not a genuine redundancy (ie if they say that they will not continue doing this type of work -hence your role is redundant, when this is untrue). If that is the case you should raise this with your employer during the process and consider bringing a claim if they still go ahead and make you redundant without good cause.

Second, you need to ensure that you abide by your contract while you remain in employment so as not to give your employer opportunity to discipline you, unpalatable as that may be. If it would be reasonable in normal circumstances for you to train other employees (and it seems hard to see how it wouldn't be reasonable), then I suggest you do so.

Good luck

Pete