You can stay afloat in a TSUNAMI of job losses

As Pizza Express and Currys plan 1,900 job cuts amid fears unemployment could hit 10 pc, Money Mail launches a major series to help you weather the storm

FOR many, it doesn’t bear thinking about. But millions of Britons are facing the grim reality of redundancy in the coming months, possibly for the first time.

This country has faced mass job losses before but rarely on this scale. The latest predictions say unemployment could rise to 10 pc by the end of the year.

Just yesterday, Pizza Express warned that 1,100 jobs are at risk, while Currys PC World plans to axe 800 staff.

The only advantage we have is that we can see the storm coming.

The winding down of the Government’s furlough scheme at the end of October may be a cliff edge, but it also gives time to prepare.

That’s why Money Mail is today launching a jobs crisis special to guide you through every stage. We have spoken to a range of experts who explain how to navigate an unforgiving labour market and focus on a job search.

The two-week series will also offer a ray of sunshine amidst the gloom. Redundancy can provide time to reassess and reorientate your life around a new career. We’ll tell stories of those who have turned loss into opportunity — and offer advice about how to do the same.

And we will explore how some have taken the plunge and started their own business from scratch after losing their jobs.

Boris Johnson says his approach to the pandemic is to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. It might be a good mantra for the jobs market, too. So what can you expect if the worst does happen?

WHAT WILL I BE PAID?

YOu should receive redundancy pay if you’ve been working for your current employer for two years or more. You’ll get: ■ Half a week’s pay for each full year you worked if you’re under the age of 22. ■ One week’s pay per year, age 22 to 40. ■ One-and-a-half week’s pay per year aged 41 or older.

The payout is capped at 20 years and a maximum of £538 per week. You may get more under your particular work contract. The first £30,000 is tax free.

If you have been on furlough or maternity leave, your redundancy pay should be calculated based on your full wage. As a rule, being furloughed does not affect your rights.

You should receive the money by your final payday at the latest, unless agreed beforehand.

WHAT NOTICE WILL I GET?

■ AT lEAST one week if employed between one month and two years.

■ OnE week for each year employed between two and 12 years.

■ TWElvE weeks if you’ve been in your employment for 12 years or more .

Check your contract. Your employer may give you more than the statutory minimum.

Your employer should either pay you through your notice period or pay you in lieu of notice. ‘Gardening leave’ means you are not working for your employer, but you are still employed, so you cannot start elsewhere yet.

HOW TO CHALLENGE IT

If THE employer is making fewer than 20 redundancies, there are no rules about how they should carry out a consultation. for between 20 and 99 redundancies, consultation must start at least 30 days before any dismissals. It must be 45 days if there are 100 job cuts or more.

Discussions must cover ways to avoid layoffs, reasons for the cuts and how to keep numbers to a minimum. You can appeal by writing to your employer if you feel you’ve been unfairly selected. The next step is an employment tribunal.

WAS IT FAIR?

THE grounds cannot be discriminatory: for example, based on age, disability, race, gender or religion.

Commonly used selection methods include ‘ last in, first out’, asking for volunteers, and staff appraisals. You may be asked to reapply for your own job

NEW ROLE OFFERS

YOu may be offered ‘ suitable alternative employment’, for example if it is similar to your current job. You may lose your right to redundancy pay if you turn down a suitable role without good reason.

You can make a claim to an employment tribunal if you think the alternative job is not suitable.

You are entitled to a trial period.

TIME OFF TO LOOK

If YOu’vE been employed for two years, you’re allowed time off to look for a job elsewhere or for training. Your employer has to pay up to 40 pc of a week’s pay for this.