I have worked at a company for 8 years with no disciplinary letters on file and no issues about performance ever discussed. Yesterday they told me that the company is making changes and I am not the right fit. The only reason they gave was they thought low employee moral was a problem and they would like to make a change. They made me an offer to accept a 30-60 day performance improvement plan or take a severance package. They offered 16 weeks plus an additional 4 weeks plus benefit continuance (didn't say for how long) I have until tomorrow morning to make a decision and I am leaning toward taking the severance package because I feel the PIP is a trap and may be out the door (with cause) if I don't meet their expectations.
I am aware not to sign anything and am aware I can come back with a counteroffer. I was looking for 24 weeks plus unpaid sick days owing (4) plus asking them to document on the record of employment that it was a permanent layoff. Do I make that request myself or would it be better coming from a lawyer.