Facing Redundancy: Your Rights, Next Steps, and How to Find a New Job
Redundancy can be one of the most stressful experiences in working life. Whether it comes as a surprise or follows months of uncertainty, being told your role is at risk can leave you feeling anxious about your finances, your future, and your confidence.
If you’re facing redundancy in the UK, understanding your rights and taking early, practical steps can make a significant difference. In this guide, we explain what redundancy means, your legal entitlements, what to do during the process, and how to move forward into a new job, with a focus on finding local opportunities across the South West.
What is Redundancy?
In the UK, redundancy occurs when an employer no longer needs a specific role to exist. This may happen because:
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A business is closing or downsizing
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A workplace is relocating
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There is less demand for certain skills or services
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The organisation is restructuring
Redundancy is about the role, not the individual. It is not a reflection of your performance, capability, or commitment.
Your Legal Rights During Redundancy (UK)
If you are being made redundant, you have legal rights designed to ensure the process is fair.
1. The Right to Consultation
Employers must consult with employees before making redundancies. This may be:
You have the right to ask questions, understand the selection criteria, and suggest alternatives.
2. The Right to Fair Selection
Employers must use objective criteria when selecting employees for redundancy, such as:
Discrimination during redundancy selection is unlawful.
3. Redundancy Pay
If you’ve worked for your employer for two years or more, you may be entitled to statutory redundancy pay, calculated based on:
Some employers offer enhanced redundancy packages. At the end of this article there's a link for the pay calculator on the Gov website.
4. Notice Period
You are entitled to statutory or contractual notice, whichever is longer.
5. Time Off to Look for Work
If you have at least two years’ service, you have the right to reasonable paid time off to attend interviews or training.
What to Do If You’re “At Risk” of Redundancy
If you’ve been told your role is at risk, taking action early is key.
Practical steps to take:
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Ask for written confirmation and timelines
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Request clarity on selection criteria
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Review your employment contract
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Keep records of meetings and communications
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Start updating your CV before the final decision
Preparing early puts you in a stronger position, regardless of the outcome.
Coping With the Emotional Impact of Redundancy
Redundancy doesn’t just affect income — it can impact self-esteem, motivation, and mental health. Feeling shock, anger, or uncertainty is entirely normal.
Helpful strategies include:
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Keeping a daily routine
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Talking to friends, family, or colleagues
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Avoiding rushing into decisions immediately
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Focusing on what you can control
Remember, as this is important but redundancy is a career related event, not a personal failure.
Turning Redundancy Into an Opportunity
While difficult, redundancy often creates space for positive change. Many people use this time to:
For some, redundancy becomes the catalyst for a more fulfilling job.
How to Find a New Job After Redundancy
Once you’re ready to begin your job search, a focused approach is more effective than applying everywhere.
Update Your CV and Applications
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Highlight recent achievements and measurable results
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Tailor your CV for each role
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Be honest but positive about redundancy if asked
Focus on Local Opportunities
Searching locally can:
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Reduce commuting costs and stress
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Offer faster start dates
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Provide greater job security
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Strengthen community connections
Using a regional job board helps you discover roles that may not appear on national platforms.
Finding Jobs in the South West
The South West offers opportunities across a wide range of sectors, including:
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Administration and office roles
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Healthcare and care services
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Construction and skilled trades
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Hospitality and tourism
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Education and public services
Focusing your search on the South West allows you to find roles that suit both your career goals and your lifestyle.
Jobs South West brings together vacancies from across the region, helping jobseekers find relevant opportunities close to home.
Final Thoughts: Moving Forward With Confidence
Redundancy can feel overwhelming, but it is also a transition — not an ending. By understanding your rights, preparing early, and taking a structured approach to your job search, you can move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re exploring new opportunities or looking for stability in your next role, staying informed and proactive makes all the difference.
If you’re ready to take the next step, exploring local vacancies can help you regain momentum and start the next chapter of your career.
Download Our Simple Redundancy Checklist
Here's a handy pre-made PDF, just for you - Redundancy checklist.pdf
Before You Go
Here's some quick things to do on this website;
- Upload your CV, but also make a profile so employers can find you - REGISTER
- Create some job alerts - JOB ALERTS
- Read our blog on job searching for tips - BLOG
- Make use of the advanced job search function - JOB SEARCH
- View the events page to see what Job Fairs are taking place in the region - JOB FAIR DATES
- There are some job clubs in the region - Find one local to you in our handy guide - JOB CLUBS
And as mentioned above, there's calculator available on the Gov website, here's the link - CALCULATE YOUR REDUNDANCY PAY