Redundancy Pay

Being made redundant is something we hope will never happen. Unfortunately most of us will experience it at some time in our working lives.It's a time of change and what was a big part of your life has now been taken away. It can be worrying if you're not sure what to do next or have financial concerns.

Many people are made redundant each year and no sector is safe from redundancy. Redundancy can be caused by falling profits, increased competition, takeovers, mergers, technological advances and even poor management.

• try not take it personally - the job was made redundant, not you
• focus on moving forwards rather than looking back.

It's natural to feel upset. If you need to talk about your feelings you can speak to a counsellor. Your employer may provide one or you could search the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s database.

Before you leave your employer:

• pick up your P45
• get written details of your redundancy payment and package.

Make a note of the contact details of:

• your line manager
• trade union representative
• human resources department
• pension fund trustees.

If your employer offered any benefits such as health insurance, take contact details of these too.

Your employer might provide free careers guidance to help you decide on your next move. Some will offer money for training. Whatever they offer, make the most of it. If you're not offered careers guidance by your employer.

Redundancy issues are complex so you should seek professional help. A professional adviser can explain your rights and look at your financial options. You can also get advice on negotiating with your employer.
You can get advice on redundancy from:

• your trade union
• professional bodies
• your local Citizens' Advice Bureau
• independent financial advisors.
• employment law experts.

Don't make a rushed decision - a quick fix might not be the best way forward. Weigh up all your options carefully - this way you'll make the best and most informed decision.Even if you don't get a job straight away, use your time constructively. If you're not working you could do voluntary work to get experience in a new line of work. You could also do a course to learn new skills. And if you're not working full-time the fees might be reduced.

Learning something new is always a good idea. If you're going for a complete career change you'll probably have to get new knowledge and skills to make the change. But even if you're trying to get into the same type of work as before, updating or broadening your skills is still a good idea, because it:

• can add another string to your bow
• shows you can take care of your own learning and development
• proves you're a motivated, positive individual.

Training courses are run at colleges, universities, private course providers, advice centres and adult education centres. If you're not working you may get help with the fees. If you can't commit to a regular timetable and want to work at your own pace, you could do a distance learning course.

Your CV tells employers about your skills and experience, so make sure it's up to date. Emphasise your abilities, responsibilities and achievements and make it relevant to each job you're applying for. If it's too long or not relevant to the job an employer may overlook it. It doesn't need to be a life history; it's designed to show you can do the job you're applying for. Check out our helpful guide on how to write a CV.

You can find this out by keeping in touch with the local press, reading trade magazines and checking out the websites of Sector Skills Councils.

• look in the papers for vacancies
• use the internet
• register with employment agencies
• send your CV out on spec
• cold call to ask about vacancies
• check the vacancies in the Jobcentre.

If you're cold calling or sending out your CV make sure you send it to the person in charge of hiring in the organisation; not the Human Resources Dept.Networking is a good way of finding out about vacancies as the majority of jobs aren't advertised. Networking is about letting as many people as possible know that you're seeking work. This includes friends, family, ex-employers, future employers. The more people who know you're looking for work, the higher the chances will be that you'll hear of something.Don't just target just one job or organisation. Apply for as many relevant jobs as you can. But don't apply for jobs you're not suited to or qualified for. It's better to spend time on applying for the jobs you've got a better chance of getting.