"Facing redundancy can be an incredibly anxious time, so it’s important to make sure you’re in the best position possible," says Andrew Johnson of the Money and Pensions Service. Our five tips will help...
Consultation period
The length of the consultation period depends on the number of staff at risk of redundancy. If it's 20 people or more, known as ‘collective redundancy’, the consultation period must start at least 30 days before anyone’s job ends. For 100 or more, it must start at least 45 days before.
Be prepared
Make a list of questions and consider all your options. Says Kim Crangle of Payne Hicks Beach solicitors: "Would you agree to being made redundant for the right package, or do you want to avoid redundancy if at all possible? This will affect how you approach the issue with your employer."
courtneyk//Getty Images
Know your rights
Since April, the right of employees on maternity, adoption and shared parental leave to be offered suitable vacancies ahead of other employees at risk of redundancy was extended to cover pregnant employees and those who have recently returned from family leave. The extended protection starts when an employee tells their employer that they’re pregnant and ends 18 months from the date of the birth or adoption placement.
Don't lose your redundancy package
If you're offered an alternative role within the company, the reason for rejecting this must be sound or you could risk losing your redundancy package. "You might give reasons such as the pay is lower, it’s a demotion, there’s a longer journey to work or problems with childcare," says Tracey Moss, senior employment expert at Citizens Advice.
Know what you deserve
If you've been employed for at least two years, your employer has to pay statutory redundancy in line with your salary, length of service and age. The maximum length of service taken into account for redundancy payment calculation is 20 years.If you think you’ve been unfairly dismissed, contact ACAS for free advice.
