Top Five Things To Do The Day You Are Made Redundant (UK Edition)

Redundancy can feel like a door slamming shut. But — and it’s a big but — it can also be the first step toward a better future.

The day you’re made redundant is overwhelming. Emotions run high, practical worries kick in, and it’s easy to feel lost. Here’s your go-to guide for what to do on day one to take back control.

1. Stay Calm and Collect Everything

Before you leave, grab all the paperwork you can:

• Your redundancy letter

• Confirmation of final pay, holiday pay, and any bonuses

• Details of your notice period

• Your P45 and pension information

If you’re too emotional to ask everything right then, it’s okay. Send a polite email later asking for what you need. Don’t feel pressured to agree to anything straight away — take paperwork home and review it.

2. Check Your Entitlements

You might be owed more than you realise:

• Statutory Redundancy Pay (after two years’ service)

• Notice Pay (whether you work it or not)

• Holiday Pay for unused holiday

• Pension: check what happens with your contributions

If in doubt, speak to Citizens Advice or ACAS — both offer free advice and are brilliant at explaining your rights.

3. Sort Your Finances

Even a small redundancy payment doesn’t last forever. Spend some time reviewing:

• Your bank balance

• Upcoming bills

• Non-essential spending you can pause

• Options for mortgage/rent support if needed

• Benefits you could claim (yes, even temporarily)

It might not feel urgent today — but planning ahead takes a lot of pressure off your shoulders.

4. Tell Your People — When You’re Ready

You don’t owe the world an instant announcement.

Tell a few close people first — those who’ll support you without piling on stress.

When you’re ready, let your professional contacts know (LinkedIn is great for this). Keep it positive:

“I’m proud of my time at [company] and excited for new opportunities.”

5. Pause, Then Plan

It’s tempting to immediately dive into job hunting. Instead, take a moment. Breathe. Reflect.

Then, when you’re ready:

• Update your CV

• Set up job alerts

• Contact recruiters

• Think about new training or skills that could open more doors

You are more than your job title. Redundancy doesn’t define you — how you move forward does.