Thread by @DrPetra

Redundancy is a threat to increasingly more people working in universities. Here's a 🧵with ideas on how to look after yourself if you're at risk, based on my experiences. Please share widely /1 #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd #MedEd

Worried about redundancy? Before you do anything else make sure you've a strong network of friends and family around you. They may be near or far, on or offline, but you need as many people on your side as possible /2 #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd #MedEd

When I say get 'friends' on your side, I would ensure the majority are *not* your work friends and colleagues. Why? Because redundancy is brutal and people you considered your work friends and allies will often let you down. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd #MedEd

It doesn't mean shut yourself off from your work, or your colleagues. It may be a lot of you are going through redundancy collectively, so band together. Equally, don't rely on friends not affected by redundancy to save you. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd #MedEd /4

Once you've got that all-important protection network set up and growing, ensure you put the next phase of support in place. If you haven't already and one is available, join a union. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd #MedEd /5

Your union can connect you with others going through the same, it can ensure you know what to expect and what to do, and you can also let them know what is happening so you and other staff can be assisted /6 #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd #MedEd

Not everyone finds their union helpful, but it's still crucial to log with someone officially what is being done to you. Also employers will do dodgy things you may not recognise as such. Your union gives context. /7 #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd #MedEd

Once you've set up your own life raft in the form of friendship and union solidarity you're in a stronger position to advocate for yourself. Information is what you need next. Firstly, what to expect. Most of us have no idea what redundancy involves /8 #AcademicTwitter #HigherEd

ACAS are an independent UK organisation (so their advice may not apply elsewhere) who have lots of excellent services (including a helpline). I found their stepwise guide to redundancy invaluable acas.org.uk/redundancy #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #HigherEd #MedEd /9

Given how common redundancy is across many jobs in unis (cleaners, caterers, admin etc) ask colleagues you trust, your union or appeal on social media for others who've recently gone through redundancy. They can give you tips and reassurance. #HigherEd #MedEd #AcademicTwitter /10

Now comes the exhausting part. You need evidence (aka receipts). As much as you can gather. This takes a lot longer than you imagine but it is *essential* for many reasons - from your rights to your wellbeing. This is what you do.... /11 #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter

1. Collect all the evidence you have of your achievements, progress, how you've helped others and your organisation, why you are essential, your value. That might be reports, references, publicity material, progress reviews /12 #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd #MedEd

Why do this? Crucially because it will remind you of your skills, abilities and value. Very often the goal of redundancy is to gaslight you into believing you're useless. Awful, untrue things can be said. Know your worth. /13 #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd #MedEd

Here's a portrait of me with a glowing summary of my achievements that hung in the main entrance of my old uni long after I'd gone. When my work was trying to get rid of me they made out I didn't have these skills. It makes you feel like you're going mad /14 #AcademicTwitter

Having receipts helps you remember all that is good about you. It also helps if you're considering applying for new jobs, both as evidence of your achievements and a reminder of what you've done (you will forget!) /15 #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #MedEd #HigherEd

Things like personal certification, past papers (especially hard copies of non-digitised reports), or details of professional memberships may be necessary in the future. Assume you'll lose access to your workplace tomorrow, what do you need? Get it now! /16 #AcademicTwitter

Disclaimer: get advice on what you can take. Obviously do not take things that don't belong to you. In some projects ownership is shared or unclear and you can be in trouble for removing sensitive data or other items. Take advice from your union. Keep safe. #AcademicTwitter /17

If you're unsure if you will be made redundant then you may not need to act so urgently, but if your workplace is now precarious it's sensible to operate as if your job is no longer safe and keep precious or vital items under your care. #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter /18

It may take very little time to remove items from work or a long period if you've a lot there. This process can feel heartbreaking so give yourself time, get help to do it and allow yourself to be upset if that's how you feel. /19 #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #HigherEd

You may not be able to open those boxes you moved out or those digital folders you saved for a long time after. That's normal. Just make sure you have your stuff! #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #HigherEd #MedEd /20

As you're doing all this make sure you have an email that's your own. Your work one can be cut without any warning (even if they say they won't) and you'll lose access to past emails, contacts etc. Save it all. Forward what you can. #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #HigherEd /21

Speaking of emails, ensure you do as much, if not all, your correspondence about redundancy *on the record*. Get emails. Keep copies. Don't have discussions that cannot be documented. A paper trail can be invaluable if things turn sour and if seeking advice. #AcademicChatter /22

If you have any in-person or online meetings or phone calls specify that you'll be taking notes and recording. Share copies after. Keep it above board. Bring someone with you to meetings for support. Be polite, clear, firm and un-moveable. #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter /23

A friend told me to take notes whether or not I needed to just to ensure I had something to do in difficult meetings. It really helped focus me and made me seem stronger than I felt. Consider all notes could be shared - keep it factual. #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter /24

Your employer is never your friend, whatever you may have been led to believe (particularly in unis that thrive on this lie). But once redundancy is mentioned they are definitely not your friend. This means you put yourself first. #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #HigherEd /25

This is when your support network comes in (again!). They can be your place to vent, cry, question and get feedback. Especially if your instinct is to fawn, or you struggle to contain any emotions that your workplace *will* use against you. #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter /26

In many cases redundancy is dealt with by management in a hands-off way. Some people want to accept their redundancy package. It doesn't have to be fraught or awful. But in many cases it is harsh because you don't want to go and there's a lot tied up in that /#AcademicChatter /27

Check things like your pension, holiday pay, any benefits. Seek careers advice for where you might go next. Ensure your redundancy agreement is the best it can be, don't accept their offer without checking (they aren't acting in your best interests) #AcademicChatter #HigherEd /28

Some people (myself included) use a solicitor. This might be something you do collectively or individually, through a union or privately. Some solicitors give a short consultation for free, others will charge. Don't discount a legal route, it could be a lifesaver! #HigherEd /29

In my case I didn't have to pay my solicitor as their fees were included in my settlement. They told me what to do. It was great to have someone fierce in my corner. It didn't require a lot of work from them. They held the uni accountable #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter /30

Legal advice is also invaluable if you're facing constructive dismissal or if the redundancy is moving into that territory. It's when your workplace makes it impossible for you to do your job as a means of pushing you out acas.org.uk/dismissals/con… #AcademicChatter #HigherEd /31

In my case that included things like insisting the online/home working I'd done for a long time had to end and I needed to be at my desk for the one day a week I now worked for the uni, but they would change the day each week. Childcare/travel became impossible to plan /32

I was down to working a day a week because when I was pregnant and finding it difficult to manage the jobs I was doing in person unsafe in late pregnancy and with a history of miscarriage instead of changing my jobs they cut my hours from three days a week to one /33

I was assigned courses I couldn't write or teach (medical leadership, I know nothing about it). Being set up to fail. Or egregious lies like being told I'd not come into work when I'd actually been in *extra* days. Be prepared for things you couldn't imagine. #AcademicChatter /34

Redundancy takes time in many ways as they will say and do awful things you need to endlessly disprove,but you're also reeling by the outrageous accusations and the deep pain that people you thought rated and cared about you are colluding in or instigating it #AcademicChatter /35

You MUST set aside time to relax, to decompress, to have specific time away from this (lose yourself in the things you love). Redundancy is confidence breaking enough but if it gets nasty you'll feel wretched. #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter /36

Some people find coaching or counselling is a help. If not during the redundancy situation, then after. Legal/union advice during can keep you focused. Write, draw, record yourself sharing what is going on so you don't forget the facts you need - and to vent #AcademicChatter /37

It helps to have a clear idea of what you want from redundancy. Don't be a passive recipient of it (even if they try to break you into accepting this). What do you want? References, a pay deal, what's your end goal? What are your hard limits? #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter /38

Also check what the parameters of any redundancy may be. There can be hidden clauses, depending on your job, role, seniority etc. Are those acceptable to you? Don't accept, sign or agree to ANYTHING without advice from your union or a lawyer. Reflect with your support network /39

You may be pushed into accepting things - a 'good deal' with houre/days to spare. Still seek legal advice. My initial deal wasn't as it could be. I held out. I got a better deal. Even if their deal is good, you don't want to take their word for it. #AcademicTwitter #HigherEd /40

Check the limitations of any redundancy package you accept. They may specify that you can't speak about what has happened after. That limits solidarity and collective organising. Note any penalties they try to impose. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd /41

Remember redundancy is NOT being fired. You are not in trouble. You have not done anything wrong. It's not a sign you are worthless. The process makes you feel otherwise. It, along with any agreements, can silence and shame you. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd /42

In many industries redundancy is commonplace and nothing to be ashamed of. It's only the ridiculous specialness of academia that implies nobody is ever let go of unless they're a terrible person. I assure you the terrible person in all of this is not you. #AcademicTwitter /43

Again, coaching and counselling after you leave are a blessing. They remind you who you are, what you can do. I was in a senior role doing way beyond what I was expected to yet made to feel like a failure. Coaching reminded me I wasn't, identified other jobs #AcademicTwitter /44

Your redundancy agreement may impact on jobs you can take (e.g. if you can do another academic job right away or have to wait). You may never want to work in a uni again. You might take a temporary job to pay the bills. Do what keeps you financially secure #AcademicTwitter /45

Be careful about references. You want someone you trust to provide a good one. They don't have to be working where you were, it can be an ex colleague. Identify reliable folk who'll vouch for you. If lots of you are being made redundant get ready to referee for each other /46

I already had people identified to vouch for me. But I wished I had challenged the standard letter my uni sent that in one sentence confirmed I had worked there. But it had a spelling mistake and they'd corrected another error in pencil. Disrespectful after years of service /47

Note what your limits are when you leave. If they want you to continue with any work *they have to pay you*. You're not obliged to keep in touch, sort their problems, keep teaching, or otherwise bail them out. #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #HigherEd /48

After I left I had students calling me in tears as nobody had told them I'd gone and they had nobody to teach me. And colleagues who didn't know I'd gone asking me to help them with writing papers, data analysis and applying for grants 😬 #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter /49

Remember you no longer work there. I'd argue it's not just that you aren't obliged to fix their issues, it's wrong for you to do so. You're not covered to do it. If they need you then they shouldn't have made you redundant. #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #HigherEd /50

Be prepared for all kinds of nonsense to happen after you go. Apart from my photo being up for months after (see above), "Petra's replacement" was in post shortly after (how does that work with 'redundancy'?!!), and they asked if I'd like to be an honorary staff member 🤯 /51

So no, if they don't want you they don't get you back. They don't trade off your name. They don't deserve your energy. Focus on your own recovery and future. This can be hard if you're connected to colleagues and students. Be firm. #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter /52

If you need it, seek careers advice. If you've been in catering, site management, IT, admin, cleaning, teaching, research or other roles there are lots of places your skills are needed. They don't have to be in a uni #HigherEd #MedEd /53

Redundancy is not always brutal, but it can be. And it isn't always tied with bullying. But it often is. So if you need support in that regard there's information here theresearchcompanion.com/bullying #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd #MedEd /54

This turned into a mammoth thread so I'll archive it as a blog post and on LinkedIn. I'll let you know when I've done that. In the meantime a few quick things to finish.... /55

If you're an academic do not assume the best route out of redundancy is to become an academic coach. Especially if you're junior/precarious. They're already booting you out,it's unlikely they'll hire you back and pay you well on a consultancy basis. Seek other roles #HigherEd /56

Take union and legal advice. Keep a diary (audio, visual, written). Be with pets, friends, loved ones. Do as many things as makes you happy and remind you that you're a valuable and wonderful person. Don't believe their narrative. You matter #HigherEd #MedEd #AcademicTwitter /57

I've probably forgotten loads of things so if you've any questions please ask and I'll do my best to answer or I'll signpost you to someone that can help. There are also ideas in 'Being Well In Academia' to care for you and others routledge.com/Being-Well-in-… /58

I'm lucky to have had some wonderful friends and colleagues who ensured I stayed safe and stuck to my principles when I would have given up. They know who they are and I'm truly grateful. #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter /59

Finally, it was 8 years ago I was going through this. Felt like my world was ending. I was told to leave school at 16 as I was 'thick'. Going to uni, never mind working at a senior level in one, was a huge deal. But you know what? I'm so much happier now. You will be okay❤️‍🩹/60

Q: 'What, instead of redundancy, they try to relocate me in the uni?'
A: they may offer you other roles. Those might be good so check before refusing. Do be careful they aren't trying to set you up to fail (offering a job you can't do, claiming they can't help if you reject it)

Tagging @wiasnofficial @DisInHigherEd @UWankings @indomitusconvoy @ucu @OpenAcademics @chron_ac @AcademicChatter @ZJAyres @seis_matters @unisontheunion who might find the above useful for their members/followers

Q: “don’t you think most people would know this?” (“This” being what’s in thread above ⬆️).
A: some may, which is great, but I didn’t until it happened to me and since then I’ve learned most other people don’t know what to expect or do about redundancy either. #AcademicTwitter

Comment: “I thought I knew how universities worked but it was only when I faced redundancy I realised what I didn’t know. Which was a lot. I wish someone had explained to me so I wasn’t ripped off (I feel I was)” #AcademicTwitter #AcademicChatter #HigherEd #MedEd

Q: “did your relationship with colleagues improve after redundancy?”
A: the ones who helped I’m still friends with and grateful to. The ones who enabled the process, lied, or just did nothing? If they don’t already know how much I loathe them hopefully this thread will clarify 😉