Redundancy support
Making redundancies is challenging for everyone involved - the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Jobcentre Plus (JCP) has a 'Rapid Response Service' that provides advice and support through its network of partners. It also addresses the effects of job losses on individuals by helping people move rapidly into alternative employment.
Rapid Response Service (RRS) support is available through the notice period and where people have not found alternative work before they lose their job, RRS support can continue for a further 13 weeks irrespective of whether a claim for benefit is made.
This support could include help to:
- write CVs, enhance job search skills and find jobs
- match people facing redundancy to known job vacancies
- organise job fairs
- provide general information about benefits
- assist people to find the right training and to learn new skills
- asisst with advice about retirement and pensions
Please refer to the information below and if you wish to contact Jobcentre Plus to discuss redundancy support that is available please email rrs.enquiries@dwp.gsi.gov.uk stating your location and contact details.
Support for employers
- ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) offers free and confidential advice. ACAS provides advice on how to prepare as workers and employers, as well as clarifying rights and issues with different scenarios including redundancy, short-time working and transfer of undertakings (TUPE). Contact the ACAS helpline on 08457 474747
- Employer factsheet (133 KB)
- Guidance on making redundancies
- Information on the Gov.uk Website including the HR1 form to notify the Redundancy Payments Service.
- Redundancy payments helpline - 0845 145 0004
Support for employees
Are you currently going through a consultation or have you recently been made redundant?
You can get help and advice to find a new job, improve your skills and see what benefits you may be eligible to claim.
This factsheet may be useful to you:
If you are being made redundant, you might be eligible for certain rights, including: redundancy pay; a notice period; a consultation with your employer; the option to move into a different job; time off to find a new job.
For more information - Redundancy: your rights.
National Careers Service
The National Careers Service (NCS) will be used alongside the DWP’s services to provide information, advice and guidance on all aspects of work and learning including:
- practical help in applying for a new job
- preparing CV’s and job applications
- coaching to prepare for interviews
- helping people to identify their transferable skills and training needs
- help to find suitable re-training courses
Qualified careers advisers will help those looking for a change of career. The NCS can support an individual for up to 12 months.
Additional services
- Specialist ‘Skills Support for Redundancy’ funded via the European Social Fund and delivered by Learndirect. This service provides bespoke information advice and guidance to ensure that training opportunities are targeted at up-skilling or re-skilling individuals to improve their employment opportunities. It provides; detailed diagnostic assessments, employment and careers coaching, mentoring, job brokerage along with re-skilling and up-skilling training support using where appropriate regulated qualifications. Learndirect can provide support as appropriate and needed by the individual.
- The Jobs Enterprise Training Service (JETS) can help unemployed people in North Staffordshire find training and employment. Phone them on 01782 231215 or email Jet2work@stoke.gov.uk.
- Would you be interested in seeking a volunteering opportunity?
- Do you have aspirations to start your own business? Contact the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 for further help and support.