Being made redundant is a difficult process. You might go through a range of emotions, feel fearful about your future and experience uncertainty about your rights. That is why it’s important to gather all the information you can and take time to explore your options.
According to the Office for National Statistics, redundancy is on the rise again in the UK, so you are not alone in facing this issue. In this City Lit Career Hub guide, we share seven key redundancy tips to help point you in the right direction.
(It is important to note that your rights can differ depending on how long you have been in your role, alongside other factors. That is why it is a good idea to seek additional advice from organisations like Citizens Advice or a trade union).
Meet face-to-face with your employer
Even before your employer makes a final decision about your role, they have a legal obligation to meet with you beforehand for a redundancy consultation. During this meeting they have to explain why your role is at risk of redundancy, as well as go over their decision-making process and criteria.
If you are made redundant then you have a right to a further meeting with your employer where they should explain the reasons and criteria for letting you go. If your employer doesn’t offer you this opportunity then you may have grounds for challenging your redundancy.
Additionally, your meeting with your employer is a chance to find out about how the process will work, the length of your notice period and the details of your redundancy payout. You should also raise any concerns you might have over the fairness of the decision.
It might be helpful to take someone along to your redundancy meeting with you, such as an HR representative, union rep, colleague or friend. It’s also a good idea to take notes during the meeting. In this way, you can ensure that your rights are fully protected.
Challenge your redundancy if you think it is unfair
If you think that your redundancy is questionable then you have a legal right to challenge it. This includes suspecting that you have been made redundant due to a protected characteristic, such as:
- Your religious beliefs.
- Your age.
- Being pregnant or on maternity leave.
- Being married or in a civil union.
- Being from a particular race, ethnicity or nationality.
- Being disabled.
- Being LGBTQ+.
You might also have grounds for challenging your redundancy if it might be related to:
- Trying to exercise your employment rights, such as asking to be paid minimum wage.
- Being a whistleblower who has reported your employer for illegal activity, or making a complaint regarding a health and safety issue.
- Being involved with trade union activity, such as striking.
- Having to take time off for jury duty.
- Being a part-time worker or on a fixed-term contract.
- Taking more time off than other colleagues due to a disability.
- Having a child or taking care of a sick relative and not being able to work flexible hours.
Bear in mind that unfair redundancy isn’t always obvious and the above list is not exhaustive. If you have any reason to suspect that there are issues with your redundancy then you can dispute it. You should seek expert advice about this, for instance, from a trade union or legal advisor.
Make sure to check your contract
Your employment contract should include details of what kind of redundancy payment you will receive, so make sure to check this carefully.
Your contract should also include the length of your notice period. Remember that you will usually have a legal right to a notice period after a redundancy or alternatively, to be paid in lieu of notice.
Take time off to look for a new job
Taking time off during your notice period can give you a headstart in looking for a new job. It can also give you a chance to gather yourself, process your feelings and plan your next steps.
Your employer isn’t obliged to give you time off during your notice but they must pay you for any holiday allowance that you don’t take before you leave. If you do take time off then you are entitled to the same holiday pay that you would have received pre-redundancy.
Consider your career options carefully
Coping with redundancy can be tough, yet the transition can also be an opportunity to think about what you want from your future and even switch direction or career. Think about whether you want to look for another role straight away or try something new, such as launching a business.
Another option could be doing independent consultancy work in your field of expertise. You might also want to continue your relationship with your employer by asking them if they have freelance contractor opportunities.
If you are entitled to a decent redundancy payout then this could provide a buffer that lets you launch a new business. So while looking for a new job might be the best choice for you, also aim to take stock and explore all of your options.
Develop new skills and reinvent yourself
Entering the job market again can feel daunting, especially if you have been in your role for a long time. Whether you want to continue in your current career, change direction or launch a business, developing new skills can put you in a more competitive position.
Signing up for a career development course at a college like City Lit can help you to feel more confident about your future. For inspiration, take a look at our 5 Tips for A Successful Career Change. Or find out how City Lit alumni Wendy Allen discovered a passion for writing after being made redundant.
Speak to someone if you’re struggling
It is natural to go through a range of emotions after being made redundant. These can include fear, anger, shame, self-blame, grief and confusion. If you feel that you’re struggling or just want someone to talk to, then you could consider counselling or therapy. Therapists can offer impartial, non-judgmental support to help you work through what you’re feeling now — and what your next steps should be.
Also, make sure to check if your workplace offers access to free counselling or therapy services via an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). While you are working out your notice period, you should be entitled to use this service.
Redundancy can be a difficult experience. But by ensuring that you know your rights, gathering key information from your employer and advisors, and taking the opportunity to develop new skills, you can move forward with greater confidence.
Study at City Lit
Looking to develop your job skills after a redundancy? City Lit’s online and London-based accredited courses can lead directly to further employment. Plus you can access free resources via our City Lit Career Hub.
