Redundancy Rights in the UK: Pay, Notice and Fair Selection
In this guide
Quick answer: Redundancy is a form of dismissal that happens when an employer needs to reduce its workforce. If you’re being made redundant you might be eligible for redundancy pay, a notice period, a consultation with your employer, the option to move into a different job and time off to find a new job. You must be selected in a fair way.
What is redundancy?
It’s when your employer needs to cut jobs. It must be about the job, not about you personally. Get advice from Acas or Citizens Advice if you are unsure.
What might you be entitled to?
- Redundancy pay.
- A notice period; see your contract in our employment contract guide.
- A consultation with your employer.
- The option to move into a different job.
- Time off to look for new work.
You also have specific rights if your employer is insolvent. For the amount of redundancy pay, check GOV.UK, as we haven’t set out figures here.
How must employers select people?
Fairly and objectively. Commonly used methods are:
- Last in, first out.
- Asking for volunteers.
- Disciplinary records.
- Staff appraisal markings, skills, qualifications and experience.
An employer can skip a selection process if your job no longer exists, for example if they close a whole operation or you’re the only employee in that part of the organisation. They may offer another role if one is available. You might be asked to reapply for your own job; if you don’t apply or are unsuccessful, you still have a job until your employer makes you redundant.
When is selection unfair?
If you’re selected for reasons such as sex, gender reassignment, marital status, sexual orientation, race, disability, religion or belief, age, trade union membership, health and safety activities, working pattern (part-time or fixed-term), maternity, pregnancy, paternity, parental or dependants leave, exercising statutory rights, whistleblowing, lawful industrial action lasting 12 weeks or less, or jury service. That redundancy would be classed as unfair dismissal.
Be careful with “last in, first out”: GOV.UK says to make sure it isn’t discriminatory, for example if it leads to only young people being made redundant.
Can you appeal?
Yes. Write to your employer explaining why you think the selection was unfair. You may be able to make an employment tribunal claim for unfair dismissal.
What about voluntary redundancy?
It’s up to your employer whether to select you even if you volunteer. They can’t offer it only to age groups eligible for an early retirement package, as that could be unlawful age discrimination.
After redundancy
You may want to check your tax: see our emergency tax code guide, and your visa conditions if you’re on a sponsored visa. Our Skilled Worker visa guide covers sponsorship basics.
Common mistakes
- Signing a settlement without advice.
- Missing the appeal step.
- Not checking visa consequences.
FAQ
Can I be selected because I’m part-time?
No, working pattern is a listed unfair reason.
Key takeaways
- Selection must be fair and objective.
- Unfair reasons make it an unfair dismissal.
- Acas and Citizens Advice can help.
Related guides
Last updated: October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Redundancy: your rights