I have been on the bench for almost 6 months, I very rarely venture into the office, so basically I am getting paid for nothing. I want to ask for voluntary redundancy and then go travelling for a year, however, we have already been told that voluntary redundancy is not a possibility. Does anyone have any advice on how I convince my employers to make me redundant?

On the bench for 6 months? You must be sh1t. Do yourself a favour and stop pretending that you can cut it as a consultant, and look for a different career in baking or something that you won't possibly be as sh1t at.

Clearly not sh1t at staying employed am I Wood Cutter!

Clearly not sh1t at staying employed am I Wood Cutter!

Wood Cutter is clearly jealous of your ability to avoid work.Ride it out - they will probably be making moves to get rid of you soon anyway and you can take the money and go travelling.

Good challenge this.Clearly the idea has to come from your employer, not you.I would suggest attempting some Derren Brown tactics. Find out for certain who the decision makers are and leave subliminal messages for them. The idea is to plant your name and the idea of voluntary redundancy in their mind together.E.g. put a post-it with "voluntary redundancies worked for Shell" over the coffee machine (or somewhere t'll be glanced at and not consciously read) and leave a pile of photocopying with your name on it by the fridge.2nd part is planting the idea that any pay-off should be massive.Good luck!

I like your thinking Deacs and can als suggest another way for SamSwitch of daytime TV. Prise your ar5e of the sofa.Get yourself on projects, win seniority.Declare VR for yourself with a collosal payout, and add to this another massive sum to compensate for the emotional distress caused by having to spend years doing some bl00dy work.

Hi I found this thread thru google. I am getting a voluntary redundancy too and wish to take a break from consulting (that i have been doing for last 8 years) and go travelling. In 2008 i was on the bench for 6 months. My employer and i had discussions and we have agreed that i should quit. I was wondering if you can give any suggestions from your experience. I am starting my negotiations with the employer this week. ThanksP