Bumping is a kind of voluntary demotion and a new trend in large companies going through restructuring. But is it legal? In the UK, PharmaFocus explains that, yes, you can bump and provides a guide for employees and employers…

“When a whole industry seems to be shedding staff, some employees may take the view that they would prefer to take a step down the career ladder to keep a job, than risk trying to get another job elsewhere. Employment tribunals have looked at whether the employer should consider this process, known as ‘bumping.’

This process can sometimes involve making one employee redundant, but then transferring an employee from their job (normally a higher paid one) into the vacant role. Even in the less complicated scenario where a well-paid employee is offered a lower paid job with no incumbent, employers may wonder where they stand legally on effectively offering a choice between demotion and redundancy.

The short answer is that bumping is perfectly legitimate if procedures are followed correctly. And, in fact, not at least considering such a move could leave them open to a claim of unfair dismissal.”

Hat tip to Pharmagossip