UKAPE represents members in both public and private sectors throughout the UK, for all engineering disciplines and specialisations. No other organisation covers the whole field of engineering.

UKAPE support member through employment tribunal and secure reduncancy settlement

A member had been called in by his manager to be told that, due to a downturn in projects, he was being made redundant with effect from that day and paid in lieu of notice. There had been no prior warning or consultation about possible redundancies. He was then given a letter detailing his severance terms.

Amazingly, he was then asked if he would still go on the two-week visit to supervise the company's project in the Far East later that month as planned! Having been responsible for this project he loyally agreed to see it through. On his return he submitted his invoice covering his fee and expenses (fare was paid) but the response was that he could keep the company note-book computer instead.

Our member was rightly appalled and responded by claiming unfair dismissal to an employment tribunal. In the meantime his talents had been recognised by another company and he was enjoying better pay and conditions than before. So, if we had gone to court, and won, it would have been found that he had earned more since his dismissal than if he had remained. No loss could, therefore, be claimed within tribunal rules. So, UKAPE negotiated and secured a settlement equating to the net value of our member's unpaid fee ­ and he kept the note-book too!