Redundancy guide
So the unimaginable has happened. You've been asked to step into the boss's office and told that your services are no longer required. But while the world's still spinning around you and the words 'realignment', 'downsizing', and 'scaling back' ring in your ears, it's worth taking a moment to make sure you're getting what you're entitled to.
No matter how you package it, redundancy is never a nice thing. Here's some of the most ridiculous euphemisms currently doing the rounds in our workplaces
Rightsizing – hmmm, a bit like downsizing but not quite so negative apparently
Derecruit – just like the process of being taken on, except in reverse
ICE (involuntary career event)
– heavens, whatever's next?
What is redundancy?
Essentially it's dismissal from a job for reasons outside of your control. These can include:
- New technology making your job unnecessary
- Your job role ceasing to exist
- A reduction in staff numbers
- Your employer closing down or moving
What should happen?
Your employer should select you fairly
All redundancies should be based on fair criteria which your employer then gathers evidence for on an individual basis: this could include length of service, disciplinary or absence records, appraisal scores, experience or qualifications. In some cases you may be asked to reapply for your own job.
If you feel you have been unfairly selected, you have the right to appeal in writing.
You should be consulted about the redundancy
Your employer is obliged to consult you about the planned redundancies either in groups or individually. Individual consultation would normally involve going over the reasons why you've been selected and looking at possible alternatives. If the consultation doesn't take place, your redundancy may be deemed unfair.
You should receive redundancy pay if you're entitled to it
If you've worked for your employer for at least two years continuously, you have the right to receive redundancy pay. There may be an arrangement in your contract for how redundancy pay will be worked out. However, if this gives you less than the statutory pay, the statutory amount applies. The first £30,000 of any termination payment is tax-free.
New employment
Before making you redundant, your employer is expected to offer you a suitable alternative job, if there's one available. If no job is available and you've been continuously employed for two years you will be allowed a reasonable amount of time off to look for another job or arrange training during your notice period.
Where to get help
ACAS
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) offers free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues. You can call the Acas helpline on 08457 47 47 47 from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Alternatively, visit www.acas.org.uk
LRA
The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) offers free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues for residents of Northern Ireland. You can contact the LRA on 028 9032 1442 from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Alternatively, visit www.lra.org.uk
You should receive redundancy pay if you're entitled to it
Your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) can provide free and impartial advice. You can find your local CAB office in the phone book or online.
Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau
Redundancy pay queries
If you have doubts about the way your employer may have calculated your statutory redundancy pay you can call the government's Redundancy Payments Helpline on 0845 1450 004.
