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What to do if…
your employer advertises your role or asks you to interview for what appears to be your own job

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Do not resign or assume the advert means a final decision has been made. Save the advert and interview request, then ask your employer in writing whether this is an additional post, a restructure, a contract change or a redundancy process and whether your current role is at risk.

Do not do these things

  • Do not resign, refuse the interview or agree to different employment terms in the heat of the moment.
  • Do not send accusations, threats or angry messages to managers or colleagues.
  • Do not rely only on verbal reassurance, workplace rumours or assumptions about the advert.
  • Do not remove confidential business information or files you are not entitled to keep.
  • Do not ignore an interview invitation, application deadline or meeting request because its purpose is unclear.
  • Do not sign a new contract, settlement agreement or resignation letter before understanding it and getting appropriate advice.

What to do now

  1. Save a copy or screenshot of the complete advert, including the job title, duties, pay information, location, publication date, closing date and web address. Keep the interview invitation and related messages.
  2. Compare the advert with your current job description. Note the matching duties, hours, location, reporting line, qualifications and other details without copying confidential material.
  3. Email your manager or HR and ask what the advertised role is, why you have been asked to apply or interview, whether your present role is at risk and which formal process applies. Ask for the response in writing.
  4. Ask whether the vacancy is an additional position, a replacement, a redesigned role or one of several posts in a proposed restructure. Ask how many existing roles and new roles are involved.
  5. If your employer says this is a redundancy selection process, ask for the proposed selection pool, selection criteria, number of available roles, consultation arrangements and timetable. Employees can be asked to reapply for their own jobs as part of a redundancy selection process, but the employer should still explain the process. If the employer instead identifies a suitable alternative vacancy after redundancy selection, Acas says it should be offered rather than requiring you to apply for it.
  6. If your employer says your contract or role is changing, ask for the proposed job description and a written comparison of the current and proposed terms, including duties, pay, hours, location and reporting arrangements.
  7. Check your employment contract, written statement, current job description and workplace policies on redundancy, restructuring, recruitment and contract changes.
  8. Reply to the interview or meeting invitation before any stated deadline. Ask for clarification or reasonable time to prepare rather than ignoring it, and keep a copy of your response.
  9. Ask whether you can bring a colleague or trade union representative to an individual consultation meeting. An employer might not agree, but Acas recommends considering companions because they can provide support, observe and take notes.
  10. Make a dated note after each conversation recording who attended, what was said and what remains unanswered. Send a brief follow-up email confirming your understanding.
  11. Contact your trade union if you have one, Acas if you work in England, Scotland or Wales, or the Labour Relations Agency if you work in Northern Ireland, especially if your employer confirms that your role is at risk, proposes different terms, refuses to explain the process or pressures you to resign or sign documents. Mention immediately if pregnancy, maternity, adoption, shared parental or other protected leave may be relevant.

What can wait

You do not need to decide today whether to stay, accept a redesigned role, raise a grievance, appeal a later decision or consider a legal claim. A public complaint, major financial decision or full job search can wait until you have secured the documents, clarified the process and obtained individual advice.

Important reassurance

An advert or interview request does not by itself tell you whether your employer is expanding, replacing a vacancy, restructuring or considering redundancies. Getting the purpose and process confirmed in writing gives you a clearer basis for responding without making an irreversible decision.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Later decisions about redundancy, contract changes, discrimination, dismissal, grievances, appeals or settlement terms may require advice from Acas in England, Scotland or Wales, the Labour Relations Agency in Northern Ireland, a trade union or an employment specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not legal or professional advice. Employment rights and available options depend on your employment status, contract, length of service, workplace policies, the process being used and the full circumstances.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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