Redundancy can be a challenging time, affecting your work, income and wellbeing. This guide brings together trusted information and local signposting to help you understand your rights, access practical support and plan your next steps.
If you’re at risk of redundancy or have lost your job, your employer must follow a fair process and you may be entitled to redundancy pay and time off to look for work or training. If you’re unsure what applies to you, get advice early so you can understand your options.
Work can support wellbeing by providing routine, purpose and social connection. Redundancy can bring significant change, and it may affect your confidence, routine and day-to-day support networks. Support is available. If you feel you need help, reaching out early can make it easier to manage the practical and emotional impact of this transition.
If you don’t feel able to speak to your GP right now, you can also use local mental health and wellbeing services for information, advice and support:
Redundancy can affect your finances quickly. Check what you’re entitled to from your employer and explore what benefits or other support you may be able to claim. There is help available with budgeting, bills and housing costs. Taking action early can help you stay in control while you look for your next opportunity.
Job loss can impact income, rent or mortgage payments and household bills at the same time, so it’s worth reviewing your situation as soon as you can.
If you’re struggling to pay rent or council tax, contact your local council as soon as possible. They may be able to offer advice or additional support if you’re at risk of falling behind.
If you have a mortgage, contact your lender as soon as possible. Many offer temporary options, such as:
Acting early makes it more likely they’ll agree to support arrangements.
You may be able to claim benefits or access a range of support. If you’re not certain what you’re eligible for, applying could still help identify other assistance available to you. Your local council may also be able to provide guidance. Find out more here: Benefits – GOV.UK
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) offers free tools and guidance if you need help with budgeting, benefits, debt or longer-term financial planning.
Money Helper Free and impartial help with money or call 0800 011 3797
You may want to start looking for your next role straight away. There is support available to help you search for jobs, plan your career and access training.
This can also be a good time to think about your longer-term options. You might choose to stay in your current sector and strengthen your CV through qualifications or training, or you may decide to retrain for a new career path.
If you have been given notice of redundancy and have at least two years’ continuous service, you may be entitled to paid time off during working hours to look for work or take training.
If you are seeking work, you can access the Jobcentre Plus ‘Find a job’ Service which is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can access this service: Find a job – GOV.UK
You can contact your local Jobcentre Plus and ask about the Rapid Response Service for people facing redundancy. Find out more here: Redundancy: your rights
You can also investigate career options via the National Careers Service Access more information here National Careers Service. As well as careers advice, they can suggest training and development options for your chosen career path.
For More Localised Careers Support please access:
Finding another job might not be your only option after redundancy, starting your own business could be an exciting and viable new option. Starting up a business for the first time can be an overwhelming and daunting process but there is lots of support out there to get you started:
EMCCA Growth Hub can provide information on all the different elements you need to consider when starting up a business. We can support you at every stage of your start up journey, from planning your business ideas right through to growing your business.
There are adult learning options across the EMCCA region. To find funded opportunities and support, visit: Adult Skills Fund, or contact your local college.
If you’re at risk of redundancy, under notice, or have been made redundant, you can use these short videos yourself or share them with employers or colleagues.