How to help a loved one through redundancy

1 LISTEN TO THEM ‘Don’t assume you know what they are experiencing,’ says Susan. ‘Ask them to tell you about what they’re going through.’

2 DON’T JUDGE ‘It is hard not to project what you’d do in their shoes – for example, spending all day applying for jobs,’ says Eleanor. ‘Be mindful of putting extra pressure on them.’

3 TELL THEM YOU VALUE THEM ‘Being made redundant can make you question your self-worth, so emphasise what they mean to you,’ says Susan. ‘Remind them of their value, and that they will have a chance to share their skills and talents elsewhere.’

4 GIVE THEM TIME ‘People will process shock and loss at their own pace,’ says Eleanor. ‘Check in and see how they are weeks afterwards, not just when it happens.’