How to deal with redundancy

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Unfortunately redundancy is something that many people are unfortunate enough to experience; you can’t take it personally and the key is to stay motivated and remember that now is the time to really focus on your skills and experience as you still have plenty to offer.

The Legalities:

Notice Periods

If your employer has selected you for redundancy you must be given a notice period before your employment ends. The notice period you are entitled is to be the higher of what is contained in your contract or statutory notice set in law. The statutory notice periods are:

• At least one week’s notice if you have been employed between one month and two years.
• One week’s notice for each year if employed between two and 12 years.
• 12 weeks’ notice if employed for 12 years or more.

If you are not required by your employer to work out your notice period, then you are entitled to receive a payment in lieu for it.

You should also check your contract of employment because your employer could have set out longer notice periods.

Redundancy Pay

If you are made redundant you may be entitled to statutory redundancy pay if you have worked for your employer for at least two years. The amount you are entitled to will be based on your weekly pay, age and continuous employment with your employer.

You do not have to claim statutory redundancy pay from your employer, they should automatically pay it to you. If your employer does not give you statutory redundancy pay when you are entitled to it you should write to them asking for payment. If your employer still refuses to pay you or cannot make the payment you could make an appeal to an Employment Tribunal.

Redundancy pay is calculated by how long you have been continuously employed, your age and your weekly pay up to a certain limit.

Payment in lieu of notice

In some cases your employer may have included a payment in lieu of notice clause in your employment contract. This means that your employer can end your employment contract with no notice; however they must give you payment for all of the pay you would have received during the notice period. This covers basic pay and may include other matters such as the equivalent amount of pension contribution or private health care insurance.

Voluntary Redundancy

Sometimes an employer may ask employees if they want to be made redundant to avoid having to choose which person is made redundant. Voluntary redundancy is equivalent to a dismissal and all the same rules apply as a normal redundancy.

*Legal information from direct.gov.uk

What to do next
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Update your CV

Consider getting some advice on how to present your achievements in the best possible light by reading the CV advice section on this site or hiring someone to write your CV for you. It’s an investment for your future so the financial outcome far outweighs the cost.

Network

Speak to people you know about possible opportunities and ask everyone to keep an eye out for suitable positions for you.

Consider switching careers

You may have skills that can happily be transferred to another sector.

If you’re facing redundancy , find out how upskilling could boost your prospects by looking at what your local universities and colleges can offer.

Look for a new job as if it was a job itself

Finding a new job will take time so you need to spend as much time as you can searching. Send out copies of your CV to companies you would like to work for, register with employment agencies, upload your CV to BrightonandHoveJobs.com, and read as many articles you can on interview questions and techniques to ensure you are ready for when an opportunity presents itself.

Find out what benefits you are entitled to

There is no shame in claiming assistance that is there precisely to help people in this situation. You may be entitled to Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit and Job Seekers Allowance whilst you are looking for a new position. Find out if you are eligible by going to Government Website or calling 0845 300 3900.

Change can be positive

It is scary now, but being made redundant is often the catalyst for people setting up their own businesses, going back to education or finally finding the job of their dreams.