Free, 24/7, confidential.

Ask for your selection scores and the criteria used

Redundancy and your employer

Use it when

More than one person did the same role and the employer picked who to keep. You want to see how you were assessed.

Fill in the [brackets]

Subject: Request for selection criteria and my scores - [Your name]

Hi [Name], I understand the selection process for [roles] was completed on [date] and that my role is proposed to be disestablished. Before any final decision is made, please provide me in writing with: 1. The selection criteria used and how each was weighted. 2. My individual score for each criterion, with the evidence or comments behind each score. 3. Who scored the criteria, and how they were moderated for consistency. 4. The scores (anonymised if you prefer) of the others in the pool, so I can understand how my score compares. 5. How my leave, any parental leave and any health-related absence were treated in the scoring. If I believe a score is inaccurate I would like the chance to comment and to have the score reviewed before the decision is confirmed. Please let me have this by [date]. Kind regards, [Your name]

Tips

  • Selection criteria should be fair, objective and applied consistently. Criteria based on discrimination, performance issues that were never raised with you, or personal dislike are red flags.
  • If your employer refuses, you can also make a formal request for your personal information under the Privacy Act 2020 (see the Privacy Act template). Scores about you are generally personal information, although others' information may be withheld.
  • Look for errors you can prove: wrong start date, ignored qualifications, a project missing from your record.
  • Do not guess or accuse in the email. Ask for the information, then think about what it shows.
  • Keep a copy of everything you send (sent-email folder, a screenshot or a photocopy) and save replies in one folder named with the date.

General information, not legal advice. Keep a copy of everything you send. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.