What does redundancy mean ?

What does redundancy mean?


Redundancy essentially means your employer is saying it no longer has the need to employ someone/people in particular roles. It is a form of dismissal without fault and usually is a situation where an employer needs to reduce its workforce (and/or cost) and one or more employees are made redundant.


Redundancy can happen for a variety of reasons. For example, if your company is downsizing, it may need to eliminate some positions. Sometimes, redundancy is simply due to changes in technology, the way work is done or the place of work.

When an employee is made redundant, they are entitled to certain things from their employer, such as notice pay, redundancy pay (if over two years’ service), and any accrued holiday pay.


Employees must be fairly selected for redundancy, for example, because of their level of experience or capability/skill to do the job. An employer should seek to retain the best-performing employees if a selection process is undertaken. If not, the dismissal may be unfair or discriminatory.


You cannot select someone because of a protected characteristic, such as age, gender, or if they are disabled or pregnant. If so, this should be classed as discrimination.


Are you an employee facing redundancy? Click here for more redundancy advice and should you want to talk to one of our redundancy specialists don’t hesitate to call on 0800 915 7777 or email hello@kilgannonlaw.co.uk.


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