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Dealing with Redundancy - Part 1 - Knowing Your Rights

photo shows positive image of a surfer - surfing life's trials and tribulations such as redundancy

Redundancy is an unfortunate fact of life particularly in an economic downturn but with the right advice it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. There are a number of issues to consider if you are facing redundancy and in this series we will look at how to deal with each issue in detail, beginning with Knowing Your Rights.

Step 1. Knowing your rights

Losing your job can have both legal and financial repercussions, so it's important to know precisely what you are entitled to and what your rights are. Being made redundant is often a difficult and emotional time but, should the worst happen, being forearmed with this knowledge can vital in ensuring a smoother process. AllWestSussexJobs is pleased to bring you all the advice you should need to make dealing with this difficult situation a bit easier.

Reasons For Redundancy

There are a number of reasons why your employer is allowed to make redundancies but the most common reasons include your company closing down, the work you do is no longer needed, your company is moving location or it decides it requires fewer staff. Firstly, it is important that you know the full reason you are being made redundant as it may affect your rights. Your employer should request a meeting with you and offer you a full reason at this time.

Notice Period

During this initial meeting your employer should also make you aware of the notice period you are being given. As soon as you are made aware that you are facing redundancy you should dig out your contract of employment in which you should find your notice period is specified. Your employer is obliged to give you your full contractual notice period.

Statutory Redundancy Pay – Do You Qualify?

Your redundancy package will be based on how long you've worked for your employer and the reason why you've been dismissed. Your employer is obliged, if you qualify, to provide you with a basic redundancy called Statutory Redundancy Pay. To qualify you must:

  • Be an employee (self-employed people and casual workers don't qualify)
  • Be under 65 (unless the normal retirement age for your job is under 65)
  • Have worked for the employer for two years continuously since the age of 18.

Statutory Redundancy Pay – How Much?

How much statutory redundancy pay you'll receive depends on your age, your weekly pay and how long you've worked for the company. Follow the right calculation below to work out how much you will receive:

Aged 18-21 - half a week's pay x years of service
Aged 22-40 - one week's pay x years of service
Aged 40 to 65 - one-and-a-half week's pay x years of service.

For example, Sophie aged 35 has been with her company for 5 years and is currently earning £24,000. She will receive, as a minimum, approximately £2,500.

Alternative Job

It is important to be aware that your employer may offer you an alternative job. This could be in a different branch or department for example and should have a comparable salary and hours and should be in a reasonable travelling distance. If you reject a suitable alternative job it may affect your Statutory Redundancy Pay. You have the right to a trial period in any alternative job and are still permitted to take redundancy if you or your employer decides it is not working out.

Negotiating a deal 

Your company might offer a better redundancy package than the statutory minimum. If they don’t and you have no pre-arranged agreement, you might want to consider negotiating a deal. If you feel uncomfortable doing this you could ask a representative to do this on your behalf.  You might also even be able to get extras thrown in to your package such as your computer, company car or mobile phone. You might also be able to persuade them to pay for private careers advice for you.

During this negotiation it is important to have any offer written down and take some time to think about it rather than agreeing verbally immediately.

Getting Help

It can be difficult to know who to turn to for help during the redundancy process but there are a number of people who can offer you assistance. If applicable you should speak to your trade union professional bodies or for free advice your local Citizens' Advice Bureau will help. You may also want to consider speaking to an independent financial advisor or engaging an employment law expert. Engaging a law expert need not be costly as you may qualify legal aid or you may be able to get legal expenses insurance is as an "add-on'' to your home policy. Most insurers will sell this cover for around £20 a year.

Before You Leave

Once you have sorted out the finer points of your redundancy it is vital you receive the following:

  • Your P45
  • Written details of your redundancy package
  • A good reference
  • A note of the contact details of your line manager, trade union representative, human resources department and pension fund trustees

Useful Telephone Numbers

The Department of Trade & Industry (redundancy payments office) – 0500 848 489
The TUC ‘Know Your Rights’ helpline - 0870 600 4882

Next time in Step 2 we will look in detail at the financial ramifications of being made redundant including tax, pensions and advice on what to do with the money.


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Additional resources related to this article

The following organisations are based in, or near to West Sussex and may be able to help you with some of the issues discussed in this article - we hope you find them to be useful.


West Sussex Citizens Advice Bureau

  • Citizens Advice Bureau
    Bell House
    6 Theatre Lane
    Chichester
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01243 784231
  • Citizens Advice Bureau
    The Orchard
    1-2 Gleneagles Court
    Brighton Rd
    Crawley
    West Sussex
    Tel: 0844 4994102
  • Citizens Advice Bureau
    The Orchard
    1-2 Gleneagles Court
    Brighton Rd
    Crawley
    Gatwick
    West Sussex
    Tel: 0844 4994102
  • Citizens Advice Bureau
    Lower Tanbridge Way
    Horsham
    West Sussex
    Tel: 0844 8269681
  • Citizens Advice Bureau
    Parish Hall
    South St
    Lancing
    Nr Worthing
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01903 755585

Solicitors near West Sussex

  • Thomas Eggar
    The Corn Exchange
    Baffins Lane
    Chichester
    West Sussex
    Tel: 0870 160 1300
  • George Ide, Phillips
    52 North St
    Chichester
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01243 786668
  • The Owen-Kenny Partnership
    Old Market House
    Market Avenue
    Chichester
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01243 532777
  • Smith Gadd & Co
    2 The Courtyard
    East Park
    Crawley
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01293 553434
  • Rawlison Butler LLP
    Griffin House
    135 High Street
    Crawley
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01293 527744
  • Boots Starke Goacher
    Buxton House
    2 East Park
    Crawley
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01293 539789
  • Green Wright Chalton Annis
    13-14 Liverpool Terrace
    Worthing
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01903 234064
  • Edward Hayes
    12 Montague Place
    Worthing
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01903 215999
  • NLH Solicitors LLP
    Chapel House
    1 Chapel Rd
    Worthing
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01903 234556
  • Asb Law
    Rex House
    London Road
    Horsham
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01403 246800
  • Coole & Haddock
    14 Carfax
    Horsham
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01403 210200
  • Martin C Dalton Solicitor
    63 Hillside
    Horsham
    West Sussex
    Tel: 01403 266642

Additional resources related to this article


If you contact any of these organisations, please mention that you found their details on AllWestSussexJobs.com - thank you.

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We work with experts in and around our local area to provide useful information relating to careers advice - we hope you will find these articles to be helpful. You can view our news news archive here


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Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this information is not intended to be exhaustive or be a substitute for legal advice. The application of the law in this area will often depend upon the specific facts and you are advised to seek specific advice on any given scenario.