WORK CHANGE & REDUNDANCY

Redundancy is about the role, not the person, though it rarely feels that way. Employees in the UK have legal rights around consultation, notice and redundancy pay.

Work provides structure, income, status and social contact. Losing it usually affects several of those at once, which is why it can feel disproportionate.

Career change involves a period of uncertainty that is uncomfortable but normal, and is not evidence that the decision was wrong.

Financial worry has a well-documented effect on mental health; free debt and benefits advice is available and worth using early.

These are experiences some people may recognise. They can have many causes and are not a diagnosis.

• Difficulty sleeping, constant checking of emails or job boards, or avoidance of applications altogether.
• Loss of routine, with days losing shape.
• Withdrawing from friends and former colleagues, particularly out of embarrassment.
• Persistent low mood or hopelessness lasting more than a couple of weeks.

• Check your rights early: Citizens Advice and ACAS explain consultation, notice periods and redundancy pay.
• Check benefit entitlement straight away rather than waiting until savings run out.
• Keep some structure to the week, including activity that is not job-hunting.
• The National Careers Service offers free advice on skills, retraining and direction in England.

• Treat it as a change in circumstances, not a personal failure.
• Offer practical help: introductions, reading an application, or simply regular contact.
• Avoid pressing for constant progress updates.
• Encourage early advice on money and rights.

• Citizens Advice — Redundancy
• ACAS — Redundancy
• National Careers Service
• MoneyHelper — Money troubles
• NHS — Find a GP
• Samaritans — free, 24/7, call 116 123

• GOV.UK — Redundancy: your rights
• ACAS — Redundancy
• WHO — Mental health at work