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Surviving redundancy: quick guide

Redundancy can happen to anyone at any time. In recent years, large-scale redundancies in sectors ranging from manufacturing to travel have left thousands of people looking for a new job.

Remember redundancy is not the same as getting the sack. When an employee is dismissed, he or she loses his or her job; if there is a redundancy, the job itself disappears. Despite the demoralising effect redundancy can have, you should still focus on your skills and experience as you will still have plenty to offer employers.

The key is to stay motivated and take some positive steps back onto the path to employment:

• Make the most of your contacts and do your best to expand your circle of friends. By keeping informed about the job market, you are more likely to hear about any suitable vacancies.
• Consider a career switch. If the sector you just left looks unlikely to recover for some time, consider other sectors where your skills could be applicable.
• Many jobs are not advertised so make direct applications to any company you'd be interested in working for.
• Register with recruitment consultancies and all the relevant job sites to receive up-to-date information on the latest vacancies.
• Once you have built a solid CV, upload it to our database, which is searched regularly by employers.

Here are some of the common questions surrounding the redundancy process:

What rights do I have if I'm made redundant?
Check your employment contract; redundancy terms will usually be stipulated. Many employers have redundancy schemes that are more generous than the minimum stated by law. Problems occur if the employer wants to exclude employees from these schemes to lower the cost of redundancy. This is more likely when a large number of employees are under threat.

Am I entitled to redundancy pay?
Yes, if you have at least two years' continuous service. The right to redundancy pay may sometimes be extended to those whose service falls just short of the two-year mark, but this is at the employer's discretion. Your redundancy pay will be calculated by taking into account years of service and average weekly pay.

If your employer has no redundancy package of its own, there are laws that state how much you should receive, but they are by no means generous.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) offers further information on your redundancy rights, including specific details of your pay entitlements.

Can I have time off during my notice period to look for another job?
Yes, you are, as long as you have worked for your employer for two years continuously. You are entitled to reasonable time off with pay during working hours to look for another job or to make arrangements for training for future employment.

You will need to reach an amicable agreement with your employer to determine how much time you can take. If your employer feels you are abusing the situation, the company can refuse to pay you. If you feel the boss is not being reasonable, you can apply to a tribunal.

What should I do if I receive a redundancy notice?
Seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau or an employment lawyer before accepting any terms. If you are a member of a trade union, your rep will be able to advise you or consult the TUC.

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