redundancy
When the economy is in difficulties redundancies are in the news everyday. But even when times are better, redundancies still happen as firms reorganise or get taken over.
Redundancy is not the same as getting the sack. The key difference is between:
- dismissal: this is what happens when your employer decides to get rid of you, and
- redundancy: this is when jobs disappear.
Dismissal can be fair (if you are caught stealing, for example) or unfair (if, for example, you are sacked for being pregnant). Employers must also follow fair procedures if they are dismissing someone. There is more about dismissal here.
Redundancy is different. (Strictly speaking, redundancy is a fair reason for dismissal, but as the legal requirements are different to other forms of dismissal it is helpful to distinguish between the two.) Redundancy happens when an employer reduces their workforce.
Read on for advice about redundancy rights.
- I have been made redundant. What payment am I entitled to? more...
- I have been told I will be redundant. What are my rights? more...
- How do I check I have been fairly selected for redundancy? more...
- My employer has offered me an alternative to redundancy, doing a different job. What is my position? more...
- My employer says I am not entitled to a redundancy payment because I have waived my right to one. Is this correct? more...
- What consultation must an employer undertake before making redundancies? more...
- Can my employer make me redundant? more...
- I have been told of impending redundancies but the employer does not appear to have discussed this with staff. Is this right? more...
- My employer has announced redundancies and a selection process that is obviously unfair. What should I do? more...
- Shortly after I was made redundant, my ex-employer ran an ad for a post similar to mine. What should I do? more...
- How is my redundancy pay calculated? more...
- Does my employer have to pay wages in full during my notice period? more...
- Should other provisions within my contract continue to be honoured during the notice period? more...
- I'm being made redundant, and my employer has offered me a new job that I'm not sure I want. Must I take it? more...
- I’ve been made redundant because my employer is bankrupt. Will I still get paid? more...
- What notice does my employer have to give when making me redundant? more...
further information
You can also download these two free publications with further advice:
TUC/Citizens Advice leaflet in Adobe pdf format.
Know Your Rights leaflet from the TUC in Adobe pdf format.