By Lyndsey Hall
In today’s uncertain business climate many firms face the possibility of having to reduce their operating costs. This means that many managers will have to run a redundancy process. Apart from being an unpleasant process to manage, it can also be a legal minefield. As such, it is important to follow the correct procedures. The redundancy process follows the stages outlined below:
Preparation
This includes assessing whether redundancy is actually necessary before starting the process. You should also identify your time frame and prepare the appropriate documentation.
Selection
This includes selecting the pool of people under consideration for redundancy. You will also need to determine the criteria to be used in selecting those individuals. It is important that the selection criteria is objective and can be applied equally and fairly across the workforce. For example, experience, capability, relevant skills and competence.
Individual Consultation
There are legal time frames regarding consultation depending upon the number of people being made redundant. In any case, it is important to explain why an individual has been selected and to consider alternative employment in the company.
Notice of Redundancy and Appeals
Always remember to write to your employee to inform them of the dismissal and allow them the right of appeal.
The Termination Process
All employees in the UK with more than two year’s service qualify for a statutory redundancy payment. Remember to provide the employees with a written record of how the statutory redundancy payment has been calculated.
Throughout the redundancy process, communication is absolutely key. Having determined the need for redundancies and selected the criteria, it is good practice to ensure regular and open communication. This will help you and your firm to show that you’ve conducted the process in a fair and equitable manner in accordance with required legislation.
If you are unsure about any legal aspects of a redundancy process, it is best to seek legal advice from a suitable law firm.
Have you been through the redundancy process before, on either side? Could it have been handled better? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Linkedin and Twitter.
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