Employment law regarding redundancy

An unfortunate reality for many employees in times of economic difficulty is redundancy. Employment solicitors can advise you upon your legal rights in a redundancy situation.

If your employer proposes to make redundancies in your workplace there are certain processes they must follow under employment law. Before making redundancies, an employer should consult with staff or staff representatives about the company’s plans and encourage feedback and suggestions from employees. This is particularly so when 20 or more redundancies are proposed.

Employers should use fair and objective methods of selecting people for redundancy. Employment solicitors can advise upon appropriate processes to ensure that redundancies are carried out in accordance with the law. The decision must be based on some sort of objective reasoning and evidence and cannot be based on personal reasons. If an employee thinks that they have been selected unfairly they can appeal against the decision. A redundancy will be automatically unfair if an employee is chosen for redundancy for any discriminatory reasons. If a redundancy is unfair an employee may be able to claim unfair dismissal at an employment tribunal. Contact Law can match you with a solicitor who can help with your claim in this instance.

Employees made redundant may be entitled to redundancy pay if they have worked for their employer for at least two years. The amount they will be entitled to depends on their wage or salary, age and length of employment. Employees are also entitled to a notice period before their employment ends, or payment in lieu of notice. The employment contract may contain specific provisions regarding these and other aspects of redundancy. Employment solicitors can examine your employment contract and the applicable statutory law to determine your rights at law.

If you would like to obtain legal advice on redundancy, Contact Law can put you in touch with local specialist employment solicitors free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local employment solicitors please call us at 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.