What is the definition of a redundancy

A redundancy situation occurs in the following situations:

• You shut down the business completely
• You close a particular part of the business, for example a team
• You shut down at a specific location (even if you are moving to a new location)
• You need less employees in a particular role (reduction in the size of the workforce).

Do I need to consult?

Where there are less than 20 proposed redundancies there is no set timescale or procedure that employers must follow when carrying out individual consultation. A fair procedure will typically include at least two meetings with the individual, possibly in addition to group meetings with other affected employees.

What key steps do you need to take in a consultation process?

1. Announcement – this can either be a group meeting or an individual meeting.  During the announcement you should advise the reasons for considering redundancies, what options have already been explored to avoid the need for redundancies and any proposals for selection if applicable.
2. First consultation meeting – this is the opportunity to check that the employee understands the proposal, provide them with the opportunity to ask questions and to put forward any alternatives to avoid the redundancy.
3. Second consultation meeting – if required, this meeting should cover responses to questions that were not able to be answered in the first meeting and responses to any alternatives that the employee proposed.
4. Final consultation meeting – this is the end of the consultation process, if no alternatives can be found this is the meeting where notice of redundancy is issued.

All meetings need to be followed up in writing with meeting notes shared. 

How can we support employees?

You do not have to spend lots of money to support employees going through a redundancy, this can be achieved through providing time off for interviews, providing them with time or access to computers to update their CV’s, sharing links on interview tips, helping them prepare for interviews such as practicing mock interviews, this can be particularly helpful for those employees who haven’t had an interview for several years.

If you have more questions about redundancy, or the above seems daunting then reach out on 01905 900080, and I can take that load off making sure you have all the paperwork in place, to ensure the procedure is fair.