Home > About Redundancy > Am I at Risk of Being Made Redundant?

Am I at Risk of Being Made Redundant?

By: Emma Eilbeck BA (hons) - Updated: 26 Sep 2021 | comments*Discuss
 
Redundancy Firm Company Employers

Redundancy for most people does not come out of the blue and there are normally some signs that something is wrong within the company before it takes the plunge and makes some of its staff redundant.

When a company announces redundancies are on the cards they need to follow a set structure and it is normally the same kind of employees that are considered first for redundancy.

What it Means to be at Risk of Redundancy

If there is a risk you could be made redundant your employer will often place you on what is known as ‘at risk of redundancy’. This does not necessarily mean that all staff will be made redundant though, but if for example you work with a group of people that all carry out the same role you could be declared ‘at risk’ of redundancy while they try and redeploy you elsewhere.

If your employer is unsuccessful at redeploying you within the firm then it is likely you will be made redundant. Some firms can keep their employees ‘at risk’ of redundancy for up to 12 months while they try to find a position for them elsewhere in the company. Normally if your employer makes you ‘at risk’ it is a good sign because it means they are looking for a solution and do not want to make you redundant.

Those Most at Risk of Redundancy

When it comes to employers deciding which of their staff to make redundant they should follow a set structure and be able to justify their decision if it were to be questioned by an outside body. Employers should also let you appeal the decision if you feel you have been unfairly treated.

Employers will look at a number of areas of your work depending on your specialist skills, but they will normally also take into account the following:

  • Your attendance – employers should look at this fairly and not hold genuine absence against you. If you have had a long-term illness or a genuine reason for a low attendance record they should take that into account.
  • Your skills and experience – if you are fairly new to the role or do not have the same qualifications as somebody else doing your job this could be a valid reason for your employer to choose you over your colleague.
  • Disciplinary history – If you have had to be told off or disciplined in any way at your work your employer can use this as justification for choosing you for redundancy.
  • Your standard of work – Employers are looking to keep those staff that will work the hardest and give them the most for their money. If there have been problems with your standard of work in the past this could work against you.
This does not mean to say that others in the workforce could not be made redundant, but if you are made redundant your employer will have to specifically specify the reason why.

You will only have three months to lodge a complaint with the employers’ tribunal if you feel you have been unfairly dismissed. Some firms will often try and agree a large settlement with you in exchange for an agreement from you that you will not appeal the decision.

Redundancy Procedure For Small Firms

Whether a firm employs 10 or 100 employees, they should always try and give you a notice period before making you redundant, but for smaller firms this is not always possible.

When making fewer than 20 employees redundant it is common practice for firms to consult for at least two weeks before serving notice. This timescale however is not set in law and for smaller firms all they are required to do is act responsibly and fairly. Therefore an employer can justify making redundancies on the spot or with a few days notice if they can prove that this was necessary to ensure the survival of the company.

Firms should however still let you now the number of people they are considering for redundancy and why they chose you over your colleagues.If your employer is proposing 20 - 99 redundancies they must start the consultation at least 30 days before any dismissals take effect.If they are planning 100 or more redundancies, they must start the consultation process at least 90 days before any redundancies take place.

Being made redundant is not a pleasant experience for anybody but if you are mentally prepared for it the blow can be lessened. There is no benefit to worrying about every move your employer makes, but by keeping your ear to the ground you can normally tell when redundancy is on its way.

You might also like...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
[Add a Comment]
Me an 48 workers were made redundant .over the covid period.19 July 2020 ,then 30 in december 2020.but the company Put us all on furlough 80% from 9/12/20 to 30/6/21 over 7 months period then made us all redundant.us 30.we were on risk all ?the firm put it down to lost big order and got re arrange structure on nights noons days.got rid so many out each apartments.thay paid us all up front .redundcey, weeks in lue.5 weeks holiday pay.told us got cut back cost not enough money coming in cus lost one of big Orders .fair enough.thay got rid ,most the old men who been there years.loyal to company.just of my head as I no ,42y,34,30,26,25,,20,19,18,15, 10 years them just ones I new .many more.?out 49 redundant.but why this was going on nov2020 .when already got rid 19.july 20.now 30 redundant letters given out Nov 2020. On there share boardmeeting 30/4/2021.says on Google 7 the family firm director.excutives sold some there vast share why still high.lowest got £222 thousand for 7500 shares sold All the rest got between £230 thousand to highest £287 thousand this was why thay were claiming tax payers money off inland revenue.to pay 30 men on furlough from Nov 20 to 30/6/21 .why men on furlough company still running.12 board members had 9 new electric cars turn up. On transporter.£44k each.3 porsche taycan £88 k each.? £660 thousand pounds werth .ye say got no money firm then too 2 board give them selfs rise30/4/2021 board share meeting £45 k each .them on £355k each .one had £75 k rise up to £238 k wage .one had £62 k rise on £226 k wage.all had porsche taycan and telsa 3 car each.? March 2021.yet say got no money had 30 men on redundcey.on hold from 9/10/20 to 30/6/21.claim tax payer money furlough pay 30 men .his this not fraud inland revenue .that need be investigated .fraud
LC. Mell - 26-Sep-21 @ 7:29 PM
I have been put on risk and about to be made redundant, my notice period is three months. The company I work for Has just been in a re structure process whereas over 20 persons been made redundant. I‘ am in the understanding that first this restructuring needs to end before you can go into a new restructuring. One of the persons which is made redundant had a notice period of three months and received last payment in December. Is the company in his right to process again a restructure within the last notice period of the last restructure ? They claim in these exceptional times they are? I have doubts and think by law they can only do this once the last notice period has ended.
Stevkus - 15-Oct-20 @ 7:36 PM
Myself and a colleague were both put at risk of redundancy. Our company stated only one of us would be retained. My colleague decided to accept the redundancy package they offered him. This was approx 2 weeks ago. Does our employer now need to get me to sign a document to confirm I accept I am no longer at risk and I wish to continue in my role? I have had no documentation from them since my colleague decided to take his redundancy package.It seems as though they assume I am happy to continue. Can I still request my redundancy payment and leave. The company I work for employs in excess of a thousand people.
John - 9-Sep-20 @ 9:28 PM
I was at risk of redundancy, and was offered an alternative roll. I had a few days to make my decision ( is this allowed?) I accepted the offer, however i have not signed any paper work and i have changed my mind about the job offering. Will I still be entitled to redundancy? The company has over 30 staff members
Bunky - 30-Jul-20 @ 12:20 PM
Does the employer have to individually tell those people who are on the 'risk of redundancy list'
Curiouscath - 21-Sep-19 @ 8:25 PM
Incorrect guidance on consultation periods!
Mar - 15-Aug-18 @ 9:35 PM
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice...
Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics
Latest Comments