Dealing with the news and the process of going through redundancy is never easy but it can be particularly difficult to deal with if you have concerns about securing another job in these challenging economic times where competition is high and new job prospects may be scarce.
Our pro-active Employment Law Team at Lamb Brooks share some practical tips to help you manage your emotions during this time and offer some guidance on how to make the most of your newfound situation.
#1 Do Not Panic
It is completely normal to feel panicked about receiving the news that you are at risk of being made redundant. However, the good news is, if you have worked at your company for 2 years or more, your employer must give you notice and follow a fair process before you are without your job. You should therefore be consulted with and know where you stand each step of the way. Your redundancy pay out should keep you going for a little while in order to give you time to find other employment and re-jig your finances. Try to take each day or week as it comes.
#2 Use This As A Springboard
The only way to get through a difficult period is to remain positive and make the most out of a negative situation. Often people look back and are pleased that redundancy gave them the push to pursue a new career, try something different or get them out of a job that was making them unhappy.
#3 Try Not To Take It Personally
Millions of people across the UK have had their working lives upended due to covid-19. It is estimated that over 600,000 people have lost their jobs altogether, with many more on reduced pay, furloughed or working from home with bated breath about their job security. This global pandemic has caused even large, well established brands to make significant cutbacks. Redundancy at this time shouldn’t be seen as a personal reflection of your work or dedication, but as an unfortunate result of these unexpected events.
#4 Be Understanding
When you feel hurt and stressed about being made redundant, it is easy to form a negative opinion on your employer or the company you have dedicated your time to. Try to understand that this is not a situation that they want to be in either and try not to burn your bridges by making the relationship sour. It is important to maintain good relations with previous employers to assist with future references and to stay at the forefront of their mind in the event they find themselves in a position where they are needing to re-hire staff and/or make a recommendation later down the line.
#5 Get Good Legal Advice
If you have been issued with a settlement agreement and asked to seek independent legal advice, you should instruct an independent employment lawyer to ensure you are receiving expert and thorough advice. If you feel that the redundancy is unfair, or the correct process has not be adhered to, then highlight this to an employment lawyer who will be able to assess if you have a case. This can help you boost your redundancy package and negotiate a better deal.
#6 Boost Your Employability
Whilst you are waiting to be let go of, or, if you have some time on your hands, now is a great opportunity to dust off your CV and brush up on some new skills. There are currently lots of free or affordable online courses that you can do to pad out your CV and add to your list of skills and attributes that employers look for. From coding and social media to sign language and foreign languages – there is a wide choice and they may even make your reconsider which career path you want to go down. Read books, articles and listen to podcasts around the industry you work in or are seeking work in. These are often little luxuries that people do not have time to do during their working week.
#7 Get Support
Whether it is financial worries or concerns about your mental health – do not suffer in silence. There are plenty of groups, organisations and websites that can help guide you in the right direction during this difficult time. Speak to family and friends about your worries, as we are still partially in lock down this can magnify emotional situations so try to take time for yourself and focus on the positives. If you are struggling to cope and it is affecting your health, then seek advice from your GP.
#8 Use Your Network
One of the positives of social media and everyone knowing what people do for a living these days means that you have access to hundreds of people. These people may be able to support you in several ways – from someone to talk to, to career advice, or even putting you in touch with a brilliant new job opportunity. If you are not already on LinkedIn, now is the time to join and reach out to people. Don’t be afraid to share your situation as you never know who may be able to help, even if it is some short-time work to tide you over or someone to have a chat to when you need it the most.
#9 Take Care of your Mental Wellbeing
Recognise that this is a challenging time, accept that you will have bad days and be kind to yourself for feeling. Get support whether it be from close friends or family or medical professionals. Self-care is important when your mental health is taking a beating. Take time to enjoy small pleasures and things that make you happy. Take care of your body by eating well, getting plenty of exercise and making sure you get a good sleep. With lockdown measures easing and places like gyms, salons and parks re-opening, try to get out of the house and enjoy life as much as possible, whilst adhering to the advice from the Government.
#10 Look to the Future
There is a very good chance that you will look back on this time as a positive life moment, even though it may not feel like it right now. Ask yourself key questions – what is your passion? What are your best attributes? What do you value most in life? Is there a career you have always wanted to try? Could you work for yourself? Where do you want to be in 3, 5 or 10 years time? Can you afford to make a drastic life change? Taking some time to really get to know yourself may surprise you and you could emerge from redundancy with a new fired passion to pursue something new.
Getting the Right Advice
If you need legal advice on your employment situation then please get in touch with our specialist Employment Law Team. Call 01256 844888, email enquiries@lambbrooks.com or speak to our online chat assistant who is online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We hope we can help you by clarifying your situation, negotiating your redundancy deal and taking the stress away to allow you to focus on your next chapter.
The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.