Dealing with redundancy
Being made redundant can be very stressful and there are a number of decisions you'll need to make. Make sure you consider all the options open to you as it can be an opportunity to re-train, gain new skills and explore work opportunities in different industries.
Try not to rush into any hasty decisions. The following tips will help you deal with the situation:
- keep calm
- stay positive, see redundancy as an opportunity for change
- focus on moving on, 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
- don’t panic and make rash decisions
Your options
When facing redundancy consider all your options. You can:
- look for a job
- return to study to update your skills or qualifications through community education, distance learning, higher education or part-time study
- change career
- work flexible hours, part-time, shift work, job sharing or work from home
- work for yourself, self employed, freelance, or franchised
- volunteer to gain useful experience
- move to a new area to find work,including working abroad
To discuss your options talk to a careers adviser who can offer you free, impartial careers information, advice and guidance to help you to make the right decision.
You may be eligible for benefit entitlement. Contact your local Jobs and Benefits office or Make the Call benefits advice for more information.
Redundancy clinic webcast
For more information on benefits, support and services available, see the redundancy clinic webcast . It offers information on:
- eligibility for different types of benefits and support schemes
- support offered for people in and out of work by the Universal Credit (UC) Service
- careers advice on exploring job opportunities and further career guidance
- advice and guidelines on starting a new business
- redundancy following the Insolvency of your employer