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Redundancy is a process which some of us will be unfortunate enough to experience. In
recent years, large-scale redundancies in sectors ranging from manufacturing to travel
have left thousands of people forced to look for new jobs.
It is important to remember, however, that 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 keep motivated.
Getting back on track
If your job has been made redundant, there are steps you can take to get you back on
the path to employment:
- Network - make the most of your contacts and do your best to expand your network. By keeping
informed about the job market, you are more likely to hear about any vacancies. totaljobs.com
can help you to brush up on your networking skills.
- Consider a career switch. If the sector you just left looks unlikely to recover for some
time, you should consider other sectors where your skills could be applicable. Find
out how to make the most of your transferable skills.
- Do your homework - Find out about the companies you
are applying to and the market sectors in which they operate.
- Update your CV - make sure to include everything from your last position. Once you
have a sold CV, it pays to register it with totaljobs.com, to improve your chances of finding
the best job for you.
What rights do I have if I'm made redundant?
Check your employment contract - redundancy terms may be stipulated there - or your
employer may already have an agreed redundancy procedure. In general, employers' redundancy
schemes can be more generous than the minimum stated by law. Problems occur if your employer
wants to exclude employees from these schemes to lower the cost of redundancy. This is especially
true if the employer has to make a large amount of people redundant.
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 your age, years of service and average weekly pay.
If your employer has no redundancy package of its own, the law stipulates how much you
should receive, but, beware it is by no means generous.
Note that you may find your period of employment straddles two or even three age/pay award
bands. Redundancy pay is not payable to employees aged 65 or over the normal retirement
age for their particular organisation.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) offers further information on your redundancy rights,
including specific details of your entitlements regarding redundancy pay, on the
TUC website.
Can I have time off during my notice period to look for another job?
Yes, so 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. How much time you can take in this way
will be subject to negotiation and reaching an amicable agreement with your employer. If an
employer feels an employee is abusing the situation, they can refuse to pay you, or if the
employee feels the boss is not being fair, they can apply to a tribunal.
What should I do if I receive a redundancy notice?
If you are served a redundancy notice, seek advice before accepting any terms. Contact
the Citizens' Advice Bureau. To locate your nearest office visit
http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/getadvice.htm#searchbox
You could contact an employment lawyer for advice - try
www.employment-solicitors.co.uk.
If you are a member of a trade union, your rep will be able to advise you or
visit the Trades Union Congress.
The Department of Trade and Industry runs a free redundancy helpline on
0500 848 489.
Just been made redundant? totaljobs.com can help:
More advice on returning to work. | 