How to deal with redundancy

The pandemic, cost-of-living crisis, and the end of E.U. funding have all had a knock-on-effect on the charity sector. Increasing costs, rise in demand for services, and reduced income mean many charity workers have lost, or are losing, their jobs.

 

In early 2023, H.R. consultancy Ayming U.K. carried out research that showed more than a quarter (26%) of U.K. organisations were likely to make redundancies in 2023.

 

This article looks at how charity workers can manage redundancy – from getting a mentor to looking after their mental health.

 

Jobsite Indeed says that if you understand what you might do after being made redundant, it will help you to handle the situation more positively. It will also help you to plan what to do next.

 

The Resilience Development Co says that you need to take action when you’ve been made redundant. “Take the first step, any step and work from there as you’ll soon pick up pace as you start to move.”

 

 

Take time to process what’s happened

 

Redundancy can cause a lot of uncertainty, so give yourself time to process how you’re feeling. You may feel lots of different emotions – shock, anger, embarrassment, and guilt – in a short space of time.

 

Losing your job can cause huge stress and anxiety. Mental health charity Mind suggests talking to other people about what you’re experiencing. “Being made redundant is nothing to be ashamed of. You’re not to blame. Having some social support might help you to cope.”

 

It can be hard not to take redundancy personally. But it’s the role that is being made redundant – not you. Indeed says that the decision to make your role redundant isn’t necessarily based on your performance.

 

 

Stay positive

 

Research shows that having a positive mindset is linked to resilience. It will help to increase your productivity and make you feel more confident about what you say to future employers.

 

Introduce a self-care routine into your day to help you stay positive while you work out your next steps. You could go for runs, practise meditation, or perform other activities that you enjoy doing.

 

 

Know your rights and entitlement

 

It’s important to understand your rights and what you are entitled to. That way you will know you’re being treated fairly.

 

A.C.A.S. says that your employer must follow a consultation and selection process before choosing anyone for redundancy. The organisation should only make redundancies if it is:

• Closing, or has already closed
• Changing the types or number of roles needed to do certain work
• Moving location

If you’ve been working with your employer for two years or more, you’re entitled to statutory redundancy pay. You must be an employee, not a freelancer. You can work out what you are entitled to on the redundancy pay calculator on GOV.UK.

 

Check your contract to see if your employer offers more than statutory maternity pay. Also find out how long your notice period is.

 

 

Look at your finances

 

Review your finances to make sure you can support yourself and any dependants until you find a new job.

 

Create a budget plan and choose a regular time each week to look at bills and other spending.

 

You may want to consider putting your redundancy pay-out into a separate savings account, so you have some savings put aside.

 

 

Stick to the same routine

 

You can keep yourself motivated by creating a similar routine to when you were working. This includes waking up at the same time each day and starting your job search straight away. Set daily goals for what you want to achieve each day.

 

 

Try something new

 

When you’re ready to start your job search, think about what you want to do next. This is a good opportunity to do something new if you want to. For example, you could use your redundancy money to pay for a qualification that you don’t have.

 

 

Update your C.V.

 

Make sure you update your C.V. ready to send to prospective employers. Consider speaking to recruitment agencies to help widen your search, as well as looking on jobsites such as Charityjob.co.uk.

 

 

Get advice from others

 

If you feel like you could do with some advice and a fresh perspective, you could find a mentor. Mentoring is a great way to access knowledge and support from other professionals working in the sector. Or you may want to consider getting a coach, which would involve a cost.

 

 

Network with other people

 

When you’re looking for a new position, it’s important to make the most of existing contacts and expand your network. Our article on networking offers advice on places to network in the charity sector and how to feel confident when meeting new people.

 

 

Where to find support

 

We’ve put together a list of places where you can access practical and emotional support:

• A.C.A.S.
• Citizens Advice
• GOV.UK 
• Mental Health & Money Advice
• Mind
• MoneyHelper