Moving forward after redundancy is not only finding another job as quickly as possible. Following redundancy, you need to take some time to take stock and think about all the practical considerations for you. Working with what’s really happening in your life post redundancy and the practical consequences of this, will allow you to move beyond the initial anxiety associated with this significant change in your life and allow you to carry out some long-term career planning.
There are a few practical steps you can take to help put you in the right mind-set. If you’ve been made redundant, make sure you remain open to taking advice to ensure that you are being treated reasonably fairly.
This does not mean getting caught up in a fight with your employer or arguing about why it is your job that is being cut. Both of these things would be a waste of time and would probably just distract you from the more productive steps you need to take to move forward. With that said, it is however very important that you ensure that you understand everything about the process you’re going through.
Be sure you know your legal rights and protections under law. Things such as how you should be treated, the notice period you’ll be given, and whether you’ll receive a redundancy payment are all things you need to know.
- If you’re a member, your union representative or professional body might be able to provide assistance with appropriate procedures.
- Ensure you receive all contractual details in writing.
- Pay attention to the impact of redundancy on your life-style and your financial situation, as well as your career options. Calculate how long you will be able to afford to live on your savings, redundancy payment and any other income you receive.
- Find out if your employer can provide help in order to assist you for another role. For example, a resume review, mock interview assistance, or introductions to agencies or other employers.
- If applicable, see if there are any benefits you might retain if you are a member of an employer pension scheme.
- If you are likely to want to change careers or industries due to redundancy, think about taking a career test or getting professional careers advice to help you find the right career.
- Organise yourself for job search and collect the information you will need to rewrite your CV, including details of recent work duties and training.
- Create a list of what you need to spend each month on essentials and create a budget for the next 6 months if possible.
- Find out what state benefits you may be entitled to.
- If you receive a redundancy payment, get professional financial advice, and think about saving it in an account that can be easily accessed until your financial position and further employment are secure again.
- Cut back on unnecessary spending. Don’t cut back on spending that is essential for travel and other expenses required to job search and go to interviews.
Finally, remember not to panic as many other people have travelled this way and survived redundancy before. It’s quite possible that you will end up in a better position at the other end of the experience.
Actons Solicitors offer professional advice for those affected by redundancy. Request a call back from Mark, Head of Employment Law today!
Whilst all efforts have been made to ensure accuracy in this article, it is intended for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. If you have specific query, please contact us so that we can provide you with specific tailored advice.