Redundancy Factsheet: Information for Employees

Introduction

Being made redundant is challenging. But there is support and information available to help you find a new job, understand what benefits you can claim and provide you with useful sources of information.

If you need this fact sheet in braille, large print or audio, please contact us by email at rrs.enquiries@dwp.gov.uk

Where can I find help to get another job?

The Jobhelp website provides a wide range of job search help and advice, including information about working in critical sectors and the latest vacancies. Visit www.jobhelp.dwp.gov.uk to find out more.

If you are disabled, there may be extra help available, for example, Access to Work which helps people with disabilities at work. Visit www.gov.uk/access-to-work for more information.

To find out more about the help available email rrs.enquiries@dwp.gov.uk.  Please include your postcode in the email.

Use the free ‘Find a job’ service (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Go to www.gov.uk/jobsearch to create and manage your own account as well as tailoring your job search preferences to suit the jobs you are looking for. You can filter your “find a Job” search to focus on employers who have registered to the Disability Confident scheme and are committed to employing people with disabilities or a health condition.

You can also create a profile, upload your CV and receive email alerts to new and existing jobs held by the service. Remember, your CV is important as it is often your first opportunity to make a good impression on an employer. Follow @JCPJobsPlusMore to learn more about national employment opportunities and career information.

Other places to look for jobs:

• company websites – many employers do not advertise their vacancies but have a vacancies section on their website where you may be able to apply online
• newspapers and trade journals – find out what day your local newspaper advertises jobs
• word of mouth – speak to your family and friends to ask if they know of any vacancies
• social media – look on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn and like or follow employers you may like to work for

Apprenticeships – Find out what is on offer www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

Self Employment – Search online for www.gov.uk/browse/business or find out what is on offer:

• England – www.nationalenterprisenetwork.org
• Scotland – bgateway.com
• Wales – business.wales.gov.uk

Overseas vacancies – Find out more at www.eures.europa.eu or check for overseas vacancies on the ‘Find a job’ service.

Helpful websites

Here are some websites that advertise jobs:

• www.totaljobs.com
• monster.co.uk
• indeed.co.uk
• jobsite.co.uk
• jobs.co.uk
• fish4.co.uk
• graduate-jobs.com
• prospects.ac.uk
• gowales.co.uk
• education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching

If you have manufacturing, engineering or scientific skills, you could register with the ‘Talent Retention Solution’ at www.talentretention.biz

Some recruitment agencies specialise in certain types of work. Look online for your local ones on The Recruitment Employment Confederation (REC) website www.rec.uk.com/about-us/for-jobseekers/choosing-a- recruitment-agency

How can I improve my skills?

For information to help you plan your career, build a CV and find a job go to www.gov.uk/career-skills-and-training

You may consider voluntary work to help you get new skills. Find out what is on offer at www.gov.uk/government/get-involved/take-part/volunteer

If you are considering a change in career or want to understand your finances, the mid-life MOT is available as an online signposting package to help you plan for important changes. It can act as a useful stocktake to encourage better planning around the areas of work, finances and health. The work and skills section of the mid-life MOT can signpost you to the support you need to return into employment. To find out more go to www.yourpension.gov.uk/mid-life-mot/

What benefits can I get and how do I claim?

Go online to www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators to find full details about all of the benefits available.

If you have worked and paid enough National Insurance contributions, usually within the last 2 or 3 years, you may be eligible for a contribution-based benefit. Go online to find out more about New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance at www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-jobseekers-allowance and New Style Employment and Support Allowance at www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

Universal Credit is a payment to help with living costs. If you need to make a claim, you need to apply online at www.gov.uk/universal-credit. If you need help making a claim online contact the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 or text-phone 0800 328 1344.

More information about employment and benefits support during the coronavirus pandemic can be found at www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk

Where can I get advice on redundancy-related issues?

To find out more about your rights go to

• www.gov.uk/redundant-your-rights
• gov.uk/your-rights-if-your-employer-is-insolvent
• acas.org.uk

If you have been made redundant by an insolvent employer go to www.gov.uk/government/publications/redundancy-payments-rp1-fact-sheet

If you live in Scotland or Wales

• Scotland – Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) is the Scottish Government’s partnership framework, helping people dealing with redundancy. Phone the Scottish redundancy helpline on 0800 917 8000 or visit www.redundancyscotland.co.uk
• Wales – the Welsh Government’s redundancy action scheme (ReAct) is aimed at helping people to deal with redundancy. There are various sources of help available. Visit www.careerswales.com/en/jobs-and-training/unemployment-and- redundancy/coping-with-redundancy/

For budgeting and money advice, visit:

• www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
• nationaldebtline.co.uk
• citizensadvice.org.uk

If you need to talk to someone about coping with redundancy, visit:

• samaritans.org
• relate.org.uk

Can I find out about pensions? If you have reached or are approaching pension age you may need advice about pensions or retirement.

• To find out what happens about your workplace pension please ask your previous employer or pension provider
• To find out more about your State Pension, including how much you could get and when you can claim it, visit gov.uk/check-state-pension
• If you are aged 50 or over and have a defined contribution pension you can have a free, impartial guidance appointment with Pension Wise. Call 0800 138 3944 to book an appointment or go to pensionwise.gov.uk 
• For independent advice on pensions, visit www.pensionadvisoryservice.org.uk
• If you need to know how pensions may be affected by insolvency, visit pensionprotectionfund.org.uk

Jobcentre Plus is not responsible for the contents, advice or information provided or the reliability of listed websites. Listing should not be taken as an endorsement of any kind. Websites are used at your sole risk. Information contained is correct at the time of publishing. Calls to the 0800 listed numbers are free from landlines and mobiles.