Redundancy – what you need to know!

Redundancy

Unemployment is increasing. It stands at 5.1% according to the latest figures (at the time of writing) from the Office of National Statistics and that’s 0.8% higher than this time last year. Apparently it’s not inactivity by people too sick to work or optiong out of work that’s driving the increase. It’s young people unable to find work and the redundancy numbers ticking up.

Redundancy Support

If you are facing redundancy you can get advice from Citizens Advice (there may be one on your high street) your local Law Centre (find your local one here List of Law Centres | LCN) ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), and official government resources like GOV.UK, which provide free, practical guidance on rights, redundancy pay, notice periods, and challenging unfair selection. Employment Solicitors are there to help with the tricky cases where things are far from straightforward and the employer is not sticking to the rules. Your Union if you have one and are a member will be able to advise too. Your employer may also make independent redundancy advice available for all at those of risk of redundancy. If not, ask.

Check:

• Redundancy Pay: make sure you’re receiving at least the statutory minimum if you’ve worked 2+ years.
• Notice Period: Employers must give proper notice based on length of service.
• Consultation Rights: You must be consulted, especially if 20+ redundancies are planned.
• Fair Selection: Redundancy cannot be based on age, gender, disability, pregnancy, or union membership.
• Alternative Employment: Employers should offer suitable alternative roles if available.

Risks & Challenges

• Unfair Selection: Discrimination or biased criteria can make redundancy unlawful.
• Employer Insolvency: If the company closes, claims may need to go through the Government’s Redundancy Payments Service.
• Financial Stress: Redundancy can affect benefits eligibility and tax; advice from Citizens Advice or Jobcentre Plus helps mitigate this.
• Scams: Be cautious of paid “redundancy advisors” who aren’t regulated. Stick to trusted sources like ACAS or Citizens Advice or a Law Centre specialising in employment law.

Next Steps

1. Check GOV.UK for your statutory rights.
2. Contact Citizens Advice or a local Law Centre for on-to-one guidance.
3. Speak to ACAS if you suspect unfair treatment or need mediation.
4. Call on your trade union if you’re a member.
5. Register with Jobcentre Plus for benefits and retraining support.
6. If you’re thinking about starting to work for yourself instead of looking for another job, as an employee, read on.

When facing redundancy, people often need more than just legal guidance and benefit from community-based organisations and charities that combine practical advice, emotional support, and pathways back into work. Several specialist groups across the UK offer tailored help.

LionHeart is the charity for RICS professionals, though its services extend to anyone in need of redundancy support. LionHeart provides free legal advice sessions through partner firms, emotional counselling, CV and interview coaching, and even financial grants in cases of hardship. They can be contacted confidentially on 0800 009 2960, and more information is available at lionheart.org.uk/redundancy.

Another key player is the Community Trade Union, which runs a dedicated redundancy support programme. Their services include online learning, CV building, interview preparation, financial guidance, and access to discounted reskilling courses. They also partner with the Workers’ Educational Association to provide personalised careers advice. You can reach them via learn@community-tu.org or explore their resources at community-tu.org/redundancy-support.

For those working in voluntary and community sectors, UNISON’s Community & Voluntary Organisations Branch (CVO) offers representation and advice on redundancy, TUPE transfers, and workplace changes. Members can access support through local stewards or directly via the branch office. Contact details include 020 7729 4001 or unisonsupport@unisoncvob.org.uk, with broader union support available through UNISON Direct on 0800 0857 857. Their advice page is at unisoncvob.org.uk/need-advice.

These organisations complement mainstream services like Citizens Advice, Law Centres and ACAS, but they add a vital community dimension, offering not just technical guidance but also emotional resilience, retraining opportunities, and advocacy. For example, LionHeart’s counselling services recognise the mental health impact of redundancy, while Community Trade Union’s learning programmes help individuals reskill quickly for new opportunities. UNISON’s branch support ensures that those in the voluntary sector are not left isolated when facing workplace upheaval. Together, these organisations provide a safety net that goes beyond solicitors, helping people navigate redundancy with dignity, practical tools, and emotional support.

If you are in the position where you’ve decided your next step will be to work for yourself there are pointers to getting support on our page on Opting to Work for Yourself