Should I opt for voluntary redundancy or wait to be made compulsory redundant?

Question

I have a full-time job, however I work somewhere else on Saturdays. I was made compulsory redundant 5 years ago from a full-time job. I am middle-aged and am faced with the option of taking voluntary redundancy (from my Saturday job/this is a professional office job) or waiting to made compulsory redundant. I know for a fact if I do not take voluntary redundancy I will be made compulsory redundant. My concern is: a) what will look better on my reference as reason for leaving, b) what will look better as an explanation to employers in interviews. If i just say that i took voluntary redundancy they may question to why i did not like my job and after working for 6 years on Saturdays why i suddenly decided to leave my Saturday job, if i am made compulsory redundant employers may wonder why i have been made redundant for a second time in my working history eg: was she one of the poorer workers? (who knows how many more compulsory redundancies i will face in the future). Please help me solve this dilemma, since I have a full-time job I do not need to claim JSA.
When replying please state what sort of experience you have with dealing with this sort of a matter eg: are you an employer etc...
PLEASE NOTE:
I would like to add that both voluntary redundancy and compulsory redundancy money being offered by my company is the same -voluntary redundancy package and compulsory redundancy package has been matched because in compulsory redundancy they want you to sign a "compromise agreement", hence they have offered more than statutory pay for compulsory redundancy, and this payout is equal to the Voluntary redundancy money payout -

Answer 1

Best thing i would do is take the voluntary redundancy based on the fact that it would ultimately look better on your CV. This is because (and i've been there) it demonstrates that you know when something is not viable and you know when to cut your losses, (looks better from a business acumen perspective). Whereas if you hold out and take the compulsory redundancy then it just demonstrates that you like to be comfy and let other people tell you what to do.

Know when to quit while your ahead that's what i say not many people are given the option of voluntary redundancy especially when you know compulsory redundancy is inevitable

Answer 2

If you leave on your own (voluntary) your reasons are yours, too. If you are reduced (compulsory) you may need to explain why you were not so valuable to the employer who reduced you, but interviewers may understand the cuts given the national situation right now.

Answer 3

In the current economic climate I would not worry about it either way.

Take the money and run now. Further down the line the company may run out of money.