Redundancy for Employees

Being made redundant is extremely distressing. Aside from the practical considerations of having to find another job, redundancy can deal a severe blow to an individual’s self-confidence and feelings of self-worth.

Our employment lawyers will advise and guide you through the redundancy process in a sensitive manner that will ensure you feel confident and in control of your employment situation.

In What Circumstances Can I Be Made Redundant?

You can legally be made redundant if the following circumstances occur within your workplace:

• Your employer is closing down the business.
• Your employer is no longer taking on work that requires your skills.
• There is no longer enough work for you.
• he business is moving locations.

Why Was I Made Redundant And Not My Colleagues?

Unfortunately redundancy can happen to anyone and employers often have to make difficult choices when it comes to letting certain people go. However, employers have to take care that they use a fair and objective process for selecting employees for redundancy. For example, they can select employees who have the shortest length of service and make them redundant first, or they can ask for voluntary redundancies at the beginning of the procedure.

Am I Entitled To Redundancy Pay?

If you have been working for your employer for two years or more you will normally be entitled to statutory redundancy pay. You must be a formal employee to qualify.

The rates of redundancy pay are as follows:

• half a week’s pay for each full year you were under 22
• 1 week’s pay for each full year you were 22 or older, but under 41
• 1 and half week’s pay for each full year you were 41 or older

There are some exceptions to the entitlement for redundancy pay. For example, if your employer offers you another suitable, alternative position and you decline to take it you may forfeit your right to statutory redundancy payment.

Your employer also has a statutory obligation to provide a notice period before making you redundant. The notice periods are as follows:

• at least 1 week’s notice if employed between 1 month and 2 years
• 1 week’s notice for each year if employed between 2 and 12 years
• 12 weeks’ notice if employed for 12 years or more

Your employment contract may state that your employer is required to give you a longer notice period.

Need Advice?

If you feel that your redundancy has been handled unfairly, or you have been advised that your position is to be made redundant we can advise you step by step through the process. Our friendly staff will help you to understand your position and ensure that your employer follows proper statutory procedures.