If my workplace is closing and I’m offered a job at another location, do I have to accept it?

If your employer is closing your workplace and offers you a job at another location, you do not always have to accept it. Your entitlement to redundancy depends on whether the offer is considered a reasonable alternative.

1️⃣ Is the Alternative Employment Reasonable?

A reasonable alternative depends on factors such as:
✅ Location – Is the new job significantly further away? Does it increase travel time or costs?
✅ Pay & Benefits – Are the salary, bonuses, or pension worse?
✅ Job Role & Responsibilities – Are the duties significantly different from your current role?
✅ Working Conditions – Are the hours, flexibility, or work environment less favorable?

If the alternative job is unreasonable, you may have a valid claim for statutory redundancy under the Redundancy Payments Act 1967–2014.

2️⃣ What If I Reject the Alternative Job?

🔹 If the job is significantly worse, you can refuse it and claim redundancy pay.
🔹 If your employer argues it was a suitable alternative, they may try to deny your redundancy claim.

3️⃣ Case Study: Liam's Situation

Liam's workplace is closing, and his employer offers him a role 50km away with longer hours and lower pay. Believing the job is not a reasonable alternative, Liam declines the offer and claims redundancy.

Employer's Response

The employer denies his redundancy claim, stating that Liam was offered a suitable alternative and chose to leave. They argue that because Liam refused employment, his job ended on his own accord, meaning he is not entitled to redundancy.

4️⃣ Could This Be an Unfair Dismissal?

If Liam did not resign voluntarily and the employer simply treated the employment as terminated, this could be challenged as unfair dismissal.

🔹 No Genuine Redundancy – The employer may be avoiding redundancy payments by forcing Liam into an unreasonable alternative.
🔹 Automatic Termination – If the employer ended his contract instead of processing a redundancy, Liam could claim he was dismissed unfairly.

5️⃣ Key Considerations

Every case depends on specific circumstances, such as:
📌 Employer's justification – Did they properly assess whether the new role was a reasonable alternative?
📌 Employee's situation – Was Liam's refusal based on objective reasons (e.g., distance, pay, responsibilities)?
📌 Process followed – Did the employer consult properly and provide redundancy as a real option?

Liam could bring his case to the WRC, arguing that:

1️⃣ The alternative job was not reasonable, making his redundancy claim valid.
2️⃣ The employer effectively dismissed him by failing to offer redundancy.
3️⃣ The dismissal was unfair, as he was entitled to redundancy but was denied it improperly.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This post provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult a member of the workplacedisputes.ie team for specific guidance.