When redundancy can happen
Redundancy is usually a type of dismissal when a role is no longer needed. Your employer should only consider making redundancies if part or all of the organisation is:
- closing, or has already closed
- changing the types or number of roles needed to do certain work
- changing location
If you're dismissed for another reason, for example because of your performance or conduct, it's not redundancy.
In this case, before dismissing you, your employer must follow either a:
Your employer might try and look at other options before deciding on redundancies, for example changing working hours, offering voluntary redundancy or moving employees into different roles.
Before your employer selects anyone for redundancy, they might need to follow a consultation and selection process.
Find out more about how your employer must consult
What an employer should tell employees
Your employer should tell all employees as soon as possible that they are considering making redundancies. They should explain:
- which roles are at risk of redundancy
- why the redundancies are needed
- how many redundancies they're considering
- what happens next, including how everyone will be consulted
If you are at risk of redundancy, the employer should also confirm in writing, for example in a letter or email:
- whether you have other options, such as voluntary redundancy or suitable alternative employment
- the outline of their consultation plans
Your redundancy rights if there is a TUPE transfer
You have your usual employee rights to a fair redundancy process in a TUPE transfer when you transfer from your current employer to a new employer. TUPE means Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment).
If there are redundancies after a TUPE transfer, consultation can start before the transfer and continue after. Your employer should not select employees for redundancy before the transfer takes place.