10 things to know if at risk of redundancy
Worried you’ll lose your job during the coronavirus crisis? Here are your rights and where to find help ...
Jobseekers will be offered coaching and advice
Jobseekers will be offered coaching and advice into ‘growing sectors’ as part of a £238m employment programme from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The governmentbacked Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) scheme aims to help people who are out of work because of coronavirus.
The furlough scheme has been extended
The Chancellor has extended the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – which pays up to 80% of workers’ salaries who have been placed on furlough due to coronavirus – until the end of April 2021.
Being ‘at risk’ doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be made redundant
Redundancy is one of the few legitimate reasons why an employer can terminate someone’s employment and they should notify you that you’re ‘at risk’ of redundancy. In some cases, your employer may try to redeploy you somewhere else.
Your employer must follow a set of procedures under UK law
If your employer doesn’t follow the procedures required by employment law and you have worked there for more than two years, your dismissal could be deemed unfair.
You can’t be made redundant in certain situations
The following is a list of some of the reasons why selection for redundancy would be unfair: ■ Pregnancy ■ Being on maternity, paternity or parental leave ■ On the grounds of your sex, race, sexual orientation, any disability, gender reassignment, religion or belief.
You’ll usually get a notice period
The length of the notice period can vary depending on what’s in your contract and how long you’ve been with the company. In some cases, your employer may give you a longer notice period, regardless of how long you’ve worked for them.
You’re entitled to a redundancy package
Redundancy pay depends on factors including what your contract says and what you agree to in your consultation. Everyone who has been with the business for two or more years is entitled to statutory redundancy, which is worked out based on how long you’ve worked at the company (up to a maximum of 20 years).
You’ll receive your redundancy pay in the same way you receive your salary
Your employer should pay your redundancy on the date that you leave the company or your next normal pay date. It will usually be paid into your bank account.
You could be entitled to claim Universal Credit
The government has announced changes to Universal Credit thresholds and allowances to help people that fall into financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. How much you get depends on your circumstances. The amount you have in savings could also affect how much you receive.
The government has launched a new job site
The government has launched a new Job Help site which currently lists over 65,000 roles. It’s also offering tips, including which sectors are recruiting, how best to use your transferable skills and how to secure a new role.