Redundancy is something no-one wants to happen to them but unfortunately it’s a fact of life. You could be made redundant for any number of reasons including falling profits, increased competition, takeovers, mergers, advances in technology and even poor management.
Most of us have to deal with losing our jobs at some point in our working lives. The important thing is reacting to it the right way by being positive and looking forward.
Do’s and don’ts
It can be a confusing time when you lose your job, so here are some important do’s and don’ts.
Do:
- keep calm
- stay positive and see it as an opportunity for change
- focus on moving forwards rather than looking back
- take stock of your situation and look at your options
- get advice from professional advisers
- talk to your friends and family.
Don’t:
- take it personally – the job has been made redundant, not you
- get too down about yourself – most people face redundancy at some stage
- panic and make rash decisions
- feel negatively about the company that has made you redundant.
One thing is certain about redundancy: it's a time of change. Many of us find change a bit unsettling, but remember that change can also be for the better.
What if I feel upset about losing my job?
It’s natural to feel upset. If you want to talk about your feelings you can speak to a counsellor, who can help you make sense of what you’re feeling and support you in moving on. You can find one by searching the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s database. You could also check with your employer to see if they are part of the Employee Assistance Programme which provides free practical and emotional help to workers and their families who are going through difficult times.
Which practical things do I need to think about?
Before you leave your employer:
- pick up your P45
- get written details of your redundancy payment and package.
Make a note of the contact details of your:
- line manager
- trade union representative
- human resources department
- pension fund trustees.
If your employer offered any benefits such as health insurance, take contact details of these too.
What extra benefits might my employers offer me?
Your employer might provide free careers guidance to help you decide on your next move. Some will offer money for training. Whatever they offer, make the most of it.
If you're not offered careers guidance by your employer, call the Careers Advice Service on 08080 100 333. You can speak to a Careers Coach, who will help you to look at your skills and plan your next move forward.
How can I find out what I'm entitled to?
Redundancy issues are complex so you should get help from a professional adviser who can explain your rights and look at your financial options.
You can get advice on redundancy from:
- your trade union
- professional bodies and associations
- your local Citizens' Advice Bureau
- independent financial advisers
- employment law experts.
What am I going to do next?
Don't make a rushed decision – although you might have concerns about money, a quick fix might not be the best way forward in the long term. Weigh up all your options carefully – this way you'll make the best decision.
If you don't get a job straightaway, use your time constructively. If you're not working you could do some volunteering to get experience in a new line of work. You could also do a course to learn new skills.
I'd like to improve my skills
Learning something new is always a good idea. If you're going for a complete career change you'll probably have to develop new skills to make the change. But even if you're trying to get into the same type of work as before, updating or broadening your skills is still a good idea, because it:
- adds another string to your bow
- shows you can take care of your own learning and development
- proves you're a motivated, positive individual.
Training courses are run at colleges, universities, private course providers, advice centres and adult education centres. If you're not working you may get help with the fees. If you can't commit to a regular timetable and want to work at your own pace, you could do a distance learning course.
If you want advice on which courses are available, call us on freephone 0800 100 900. Our advisers can offer impartial, confidential advice on courses, careers, childcare and funding. Lines are open 8am to 10pm seven days a week. You can also email an adviser or request a call back at a time to suit you.
I need to update my CV
Your CV tells employers about your skills and experience, so make sure it's up to date. Stress your abilities, responsibilities and achievements and make it relevant to each job you're applying for. Your CV doesn't need to be a life history; it should show you can do the job you're applying for. Employers like it when CVs are short, snappy and to the point.
How can I find out what jobs are out there?
You can find out which jobs might suit you by keeping in touch with the local press, reading trade magazines and checking out the websites of industry bodies like the Sector Skills Councils. You could also:
- use jobhunting sites on the internet
- register with employment agencies
- send out your CV on spec
- cold call companies to ask about vacancies
- check the vacancies in the jobcentre.
If you're cold calling or sending out your CV make sure you send it to the person in charge of hiring in the organisation; not just the Human Resources Dept.
Networking is a good way of finding out about vacancies because many jobs aren't advertised. Networking is about letting lots of people know that you're seeking work. This includes friends, family, ex-employers and future employers. The more people who know you're looking for work, the higher the chances will be that you'll hear of something.
Don't just target just one job or organisation. Apply for as many relevant jobs as you can. But don't apply for jobs you're not suited to or qualified for. It's better to spend time on applying for the jobs you've got a better chance of getting.
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