Should I accept a counter offer from my current employer?

[Anonymous]

I got offered a job at £28k with 15% annual bonus, my current employer has offered me £27k and I wouldn't need to travel an hour.

They asked why I wanted to leave and told them that the court case that the company has this year (meaning that directors could be imprisoned) scared me into thinking I was going to be made redundant and I felt swamped. He spoke to the director and told me that the worst case scenario would be a fine and we talked through a new way of managing my workload.

I've heard that accepting counteroffer ruins trust and reputation.

I don't know what to do.

Updates

1 y

Would accepting the counter offer ruin my reputation and my employers trust in me?

[Anonymous]

I'd guess the new job is approx 250 per month extra (net). How important is the extra to you versus a couple of hours commuting each day?

What are the staff like? Your responsibilities? Career path and opportunities? Salary reviews?

[Opinion Owner]

Is guess that if you explain why you're taking the other job (to your current boss) and say nice things like you regret leaving but you think this may be the best option - maybe you're making a mistake, loved working there - not sure you'll burn any bridges.

[Asker]

I mean as in if I take my current employers job, would they not trust me anymore and ruin my reputation?

[Opinion Owner]

Oh I see. If they were unhappy with you I don't suppose they would offer a counter offer. You know these people. Are they vindictive?

[Asker]

I don't know, I've only worked there 6 months

[Opinion Owner]

Look at their actions.
You have offered them a guilt free, risk free way to get rid of you. You have said that you're thinking of leaving. And they've said well we can't match the money you'd be getting at your new place but we'll give you more money and we'll try to work with you to lighten your load or make it more palatable.
To me, that says your current people are investing in you. They want you. They want to work with you and be flexible for you. It's honourable behaviour.
Maybe your new people are just as honourable, just as flexible, I don't know. Maybe ultimately you should make the move. That's your choice too make. Sometimes there is no right or wrong move.
But your current people are doing the right things and making the right noises either way.

[Anonymous]

Court case this year? Why not wait a little and find out whether you're made redundant or not? That new employer can wait one more week, no?

[Anonymous]

I'd take the bonus route that's a good few thousand, invest it and don't spend it