What can I do if I'm being made redundant?

Being made redundant isn't the same thing as being sacked. It isn't a result of anything you've done wrong. It should only happen when your role is ceasing to exist. There are number of rights you should be made aware of if you're facing an impending redundancy, and the onus is on your employer to make sure you are treated fairly and receive everything you are due. This ranges from exploring the option of alternative employment where possible, to making sure you receive the full financial package that your years of service have earned you. Click here for our advice guide.

It's also important to understand that if you're facing redundancy, you may be able to challenge the fact that you've been selected, if you believe this has happened due to discrimination rather than for some fair and objective reason.

If you've been notified that you're about to be made redundant, speak to one of our experienced redundancy solicitors today. We can make sure you understand your rights, as well as help to make sure you receive fair treatment and the financial package you're entitled to.

To speak to one of our experienced employment solicitors about an impending redundancy, call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us and we'll call you.

Can I challenge the fact I've been chosen for redundancy?

If the entire workforce is being made redundant because the site you work at is closing, selection isn't really an issue. However, if only a certain percentage of the workforce is being made redundant, you've the right to question the basis on which you have been selected.

Employers are entitled to use objective factors such as disciplinary records or worker appraisal scores in their selection process. But they're not entitled to discriminate on the basis of age, sexual orientation, marital status, gender, race, disability, religious beliefs, membership of a trade union, maternity or paternity leave, pregnancy, working pattern or whistleblowing.

Being made redundant while pregnant

If you believe that you've been selected for redundancy due to unfair discrimination, call us on 0330 041 5869or contact us and we'll call you back.

How much notice of redundancy do I get?

The law demands that you receive a proper notice period before being made redundant. These are currently:

• At least a week if you've worked for your employer for between one month and two years
• One week for each year if you've been employed for between two and 12 years
• 12 weeks' notice if you've been employed for 12 years or moreYour employment contract may specify more than this statutory minimum, but it can't specify less. Your contract may also state that your employment can be ended without notice if 'payment in lieu of notice' is given instead. This means that, for example, if you should have received 12 weeks' notice but received none, you would be entitled to 12 weeks' pay, in addition to any redundancy payments that you're owed.

Does there have to be a consultation period?

The law says that you have a right to 'consultation' with your employer if you're about to be made redundant. This is your chance to hear the reasons behind your redundancy, and to discuss the possibility of alternatives to this route, such as re-deployment or re-training. If your employer hasn't offered you any consultation, you may be able to take your case to an employment tribunal.

Legal guide to appealing redundancy

How much redundancy pay should I get?

Under UK employment law, you're entitled to statutory redundancy pay if you've been with your employer for at least two years. How much you'll actually receive depends on your age:

• Half a weeks' pay for each full year of employment in which you were under the age of 22
• One weeks' pay for each full year of employment between the ages of 22 and 40 inclusive
• 1.5 weeks' pay for each full year of employment in which you were not below the age of 41

These weekly payments are capped at £571, and the maximum amount of statutory redundancy pay is limited to £17,130. These are statutory amounts though, and it's possible that your contract will entitle you to receive more than this. It's also good to know that if your total redundancy package comes to less than £30,000, the whole amount is tax-free.

It's very important that you get all the money you're owed if you're being made redundant, as it may have to last for a while until you find another job. If you're being made redundant, make sure you're getting all of the rights and redundancy payments you're entitled to by law. Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us and we'll call you.