Facing redundancy can be stressful. Whether your employer is restructuring or you’re at risk, knowing your rights and options is essential to protect your finances and career.
This article provides practical strategies for employees made redundant, including expert advice, what your next steps are and how Mexa Solutions can help.
What Is Redundancy?
Redundancy occurs when an employer needs to reduce their workforce because a role is no longer required. This could be due to organisational restructuring, financial constraints, technological changes, or the closure of a department or business.
Employees who are made redundant are entitled to a fair consultation, notice period, and, depending on their length of service, a redundancy payment. Understanding what redundancy is and knowing your rights is crucial for navigating this period confidently and ensuring you receive what you are entitled to.
In the UK, nearly four out of every 1,000 employees faced redundancy during spring 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics demonstrating that staying informed and prepared has never been more important.
Understand Your Rights and Legal Entitlements
Before taking any action, it’s vital to know your rights. Employers must follow a clear redundancy process, including consultation periods, fair selection criteria, and notice periods. In the UK, statutory redundancy entitlements depend on your length of service, age, and weekly pay, with a maximum redundancy payment limit set by law.
You are entitled to:
- A consultation from your employer 30 days before anyone’s job ends (or 45 days for larger redundancies).
- Fair selection based on objective criteria such as skills, experience, and performance.
- Redundancy payment if you have at least two years of continuous employment.
If your employer doesn’t offer consultation or you feel like its unfair, you may have grounds for wrong dismissal claims. Free advice is available through ACAS, Citizens Advice, or a trade union representative to ensure your case is handled correctly.
Assess Your Options
Redundancy is an anxious time, but it’s also an opportunity to review your career direction. Start by making a list of your skills, accomplishments, and the types of roles you’re suited for. Consider whether you could explore different employment within the same organisation or look for consultancy work if your role becomes redundant.
Key actions to consider:
- Assess whether your employer offers a suitable alternative role.
- Determine if voluntary redundancy could provide a larger redundancy package.
- Take time off during your notice period to focus on your job search or retraining.
- Taking a methodical approach helps reduce stress and puts you in the right direction for your next career move.
Maximise Your Redundancy Package and Benefits
Being made redundant often comes with a financial cushion, but knowing how to maximise your redundancy payment is essential. Your employer must calculate statutory redundancy based on your length of service and pay. Some organisations offer enhanced packages, which may include:
- Payment in lieu of notice
- Additional redundancy pay based on years of service
- Time off to look for another job
- Training or career change support
Ensure you get advice from an expert to understand your entitlements. You could also consider early conciliation to resolve disputes or challenge redundancy decisions before accepting your final package.
Protect Your Employment Record and References
Even if your redundancy is entirely due to organisational restructuring, maintaining strong professional references is crucial.
Tips to help protect your employment record:
- Request time off during your notice to complete job applications and interviews.
- Keep a record of your achievements and contributions to the company.
- Confirm in writing the terms of your redundancy and any settlement agreement.
- Engage a representative if you suspect unfair treatment or discrimination.
Taking proactive steps ensures your redundancy does not unfairly damage your future career prospects.
Actionable Steps During Your Redundancy Period
While facing redundancy, taking proactive steps can give you a head start on your next role. Here are five essential actions to consider:
Spruce Up Your CV
Ensure your CV is up-to-date and uploaded to relevant job boards. A clean, simple format makes it easy for recruiters and employers to read, giving you an advantage when you start your job search.
Get References
Speak with your current employer about obtaining written references you can use. LinkedIn recommendations are also valuable for improving your professional credibility.
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
An up-to-date LinkedIn profile increases your visibility to recruiters and hiring managers, helping you attract opportunities in your industry.
Speak with a Recruiter
Connect with recruiters who specialise in your sector. This means you can be considered for roles that genuinely match your skills and career goals. Be selective, but get on their radar early.
Get Time Off for Interviews
Many managers are flexible during redundancy periods. Negotiate time off for interviews, even at short notice, to give yourself the best chance of securing another job while still employed.
Once your redundancy notice is confirmed, focusing on the next step is critical. Start your job search immediately to minimise gaps in employment. You could also use this time to consider a career change or upskill in areas that enhance your employability.
Helpful actions include:
- Registering with Jobcentre Plus for available vacancies.
- Attending career workshops or online courses to enhance your skill set.
- Applying for roles with clear deadlines and targeting positions that match your strengths.
- Seeking impartial career consultancy work or expert advice to gain insights into your chosen field.
Remember, redundancy can be a temporary setback if approached strategically, and taking early action often leads to faster, more rewarding outcomes.
How Mexa Solutions Can Help
Here at mexa solutions our team works with you to prepare for your next opportunity, refining your CV, optimising your LinkedIn profile, and providing interview coaching tailored to your industry. We also help identify alternative roles and consultancy opportunities that align with your skills, turning redundancy into a chance to progress your career.
Throughout the redundancy process, from consultations to settlement agreements, MEXA Solutions offers impartial advice, practical solutions, and clear guidance. With our expertise, you gain not only direction and strategy but also confidence and reassurance, helping you approach this transition with clarity and take control of your next career move.
See redundancy as an Opportunity to Reassess and Plan
Facing redundancy is stressful, but knowing your rights, securing your redundancy payment, and taking proactive steps in your job search can turn it into a chance for growth. By understanding your entitlements, exploring alternative roles, and building new skills, you can move forward with confidence and protect your career.
FAQs
What is the difference between being made redundant and being unfairly dismissed?
Redundancy happens when your role is no longer needed due to restructuring, finances, or organisational changes. Unfair dismissal occurs when the process isn’t fair, criteria are biased, or redundancy is used as an excuse to remove someone. If you believe you’ve been unfairly dismissed, seek advice from ACAS or Citizens Advice to challenge the decision.
How do I know if I’m at risk of redundancy?
If you’re at risk of redundancy, your employer must consult with you. Signs include workplace restructuring, cost-cutting announcements, or notices of reductions. During the meeting, you can ask about selection criteria, timelines, and suitable alternative jobs within the company.
Can I challenge my redundancy if I feel it was unfair?
You can challenge redundancy if the process was unfair, discriminatory, or unlawful. This includes lack of consultation, biased selection, or failure to consider suitable roles. Raise concerns with your employer, seek trade union support, or use early conciliation through ACAS.
This blog was written by Bob Bath, Director and Founder of Mexa Solutions.
