Free, 24/7, confidential.

Ask for more time to respond

Redundancy and your employer

Use it when

You have been given a tight deadline to give feedback, accept an offer or sign an agreement.

Fill in the [brackets]

Subject: Request for extension - [Your name]

Hi [Name], Thank you for [the proposal / your offer / the draft agreement] dated [date], which asks for a response by [date]. I am taking this seriously and need a little more time to [read all the documents / take independent advice / consider alternatives]. Could you please extend the deadline to [date]? I will aim to respond sooner if I can. Please let me know by [date] if that is not possible, and the reason. Kind regards, [Your name]

Tips

  • A reasonable request is usually granted. A refusal with no reason can show an employer did not act in good faith.
  • Ask as early as possible, not on the deadline day.
  • Be specific about what you need the time for and propose a new date.
  • If you are given only 24 hours to sign something, ask for three days and tell them you are getting advice.
  • Keep working constructively in the meantime.

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 Spotted something out of date?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