A guide to redundancy – your rights and what support is available to you

If you are experiencing or facing a redundancy, know that you don’t have to go through it alone.

Being made redundant can be a worrying and stressful time but it’s important to know that there are lots of options for you to explore. Whether you want to find a new job in the same industry, retrain to try something new or use it as an opportunity to work for yourself, there is free support and advice available to you.

ReAct+ is an employment programme that supports those who are out of work or under formal notice of redundancy. You can access a free and personalised package of support built around your needs that could include funding for training, personal development support and practical advice such as CV writing or interview preparation.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help those who are experiencing or facing redundancy.

Look after yourself

Redundancy can evoke a range of emotions: Shock, worry or even relief. Whether your redundancy was expected or sudden, it’s natural to feel uncertain and anxious. Remember that it’s a job which is being made redundant, not you, so be kind to yourself. It is nothing to be ashamed of and you are not to blame.

Talking to a friend or family member about how you’re feeling may help. Focusing on things you can control may also help alleviate feelings of uncertainty, like seeking professional careers advice from Working Wales or updating your CV. It’s important to take things at your own pace – if thinking about a new job feels overwhelming right now then that’s okay.

If you’re struggling to cope with your emotions or they’re stopping you from moving forward, then talk to your GP or contact the CALL Mental Health Helpline for free by calling 0800 132 737 or texting “help” to 81066.

• If you’ve been made redundant, ReAct+ can help you get back into work.

Check what you’re entitled to

Most people will be entitled to statutory redundancy pay if you are an employee and have been working for your current employer for two years or more. If you are eligible for statutory redundancy pay then you will receive the below payments, which are capped at 20 years length of service.

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

Your weekly pay is the average you earned per week over the 12-week period before the day you got your redundancy notice. This is capped at £643 per week and the maximum statutory redundancy pay you can get is £19,290. For more information on your rights when going through redundancy, click here.

Deciding on your next steps

It might be hard to start planning your next steps, especially if your redundancy has come as a shock. But being made redundant can offer new opportunities and a chance to re-evaluate your passions and ambitions. You might have always wanted to work for yourself or retrain to get into a new industry. Now you have the time, space and opportunity to do just that.

Start by listing your passions so you can begin considering job roles that you feel passionate about and will enjoy doing. Reflecting on your natural strengths and transferable skills is also important, as you can match these to a job role that they would complement – even if this is in a completely new industry. For example, if you’re resilient, compassionate, and attentive then a career in social care might be for you. Searching online for local job opportunities will enable you to get a better understanding of the industries, roles and employers that are available in your local area.

Remember, you don’t have to do this on your own. Working Wales is a free careers service that offers advice and support for people wanting to get into work, or those who are facing redundancy. Whether you have a clear idea on your next steps or you don’t know where to start, they can support you throughout your job search journey. From identifying jobs that might suit your experience and transferable skills, to helping you write your CV and getting funding for training. They will be with you every step of the way to help you get back into work.

• Contact Working Wales to get a free and personalised package of support through the ReAct+ programme

Get expert advice and free support

We’re all different. That’s why ReAct+ offers a free and personalised package of support built around your needs and goals. The programme is designed to help you get back into work as quickly as possible and find a job you’ll love. If you’re 18+ and recently unemployed or under formal notice of redundancy, you could be eligible for ReAct+. Not only is the support tailored to your specific needs, but it can help you overcome any barriers that might be stopping you from getting a job.

You’ll receive one-to-one mentoring and coaching to help you tackle these barriers such as personal development support to improve confidence, or training opportunities to plug skills gaps.

A vocational training grant of up to £1,500 is available to help gain the skills and qualifications that employers are looking for, as well as further financial support to help remove barriers such as care costs, travel and accommodation expenses.

You’ll also be offered free and practical advice when finding and applying for jobs, including CV writing and job interview preparation.

If you’re interested in how ReAct+ can help you, please contact Working Wales to book an appointment by calling 0800 028 4844, visiting the website or finding a centre near you.