Let's face it - the moment you are told that your job is at risk and that you have to go through redundancy consultation isn't going to be a pleasant one. Perhaps you knew beforehand that this was likely? Perhaps you didn't and this was a shock?
My Story
In January 2026 my manager invited me to a Teams meeting titled something innocuous like "Plans for the next year". This seemed legit, it was the right time to make plans and I thought nothing of it at the time.
When the time came for me to attend the meeting I opened the Teams meeting invite and was puzzled to see that my managers boss, the VP of engineering was also invited. Still, I thought, that was strange - but still thought little of it.
I attended the meeting with a little trepidation and the VP of engineering was there waiting for me - but no sign of my manager. Instead, once I attended, the VP then dialed in a member of HR to attend. Something was definitely wrong. The VP's face was dour - the usual small chat that every corporate meeting starts with didn't happen. This was a serious meeting.
Initial Notification
The meeting was short. I was told that my role was at risk and that I was to participate in a consultation. I was given reasons for why this role was at risk and that I would receive a letter confirming these reasons. In truth, the meeting was a blur. All sorts of emotions were going through my mind, all of which really boiled down to feeling like the rug had been pulled from underneath me.
Power Dynamic
It's worth pointing out that redundancy is a legitimate and legal way of terminating employment. A lot of companies have to go through this to survive and I have to believe that some of these companies do so in a regretful and thoughtful manner.
That said. In that first meeting you have, you might realise that along with the many tumultuous emotions you might have that there is a clear power imbalance between you and your employer. More so, if less than 20 employees are being considered for redundancy
ACAS says that if your employer "is proposing to make 20 or more redundancies, they must hold collective consultation" ACAS - How your employer must consult you
If less than 20 redundancies are being considered - you are on your own. You consult with your employer and sometimes you might be allowed to be accompanied by someone - but as I figured out - this isn't a legal requirement.
On top of this, you are more than likely to be expected to fulfil your contractual obligations while going through this consultation. Some employers might give you leeway within your work hours to prepare for meetings but you aren't immune from your employer just because you are going through this consultation.
So what, in my opinion, should you do if you are faced with this situation?
Practical steps
The first thing to say is don't panic.
I'd preface the following by saying that I'm not offering legal advice or that you should do what I suggest. Each person's situation is unique and you should do your own due diligence. These are things that I considered after my initial meeting:
- Check your contract and all company policies. Learn as much as you can about the company's processes.
- Your employer has probably spent weeks/months preparing for this consultation. I needed to become an expert in redundancy as quickly as possible. The first port of call is ACAS
- If you are a member of a trade union, contact them as soon as you can.
- If you have the means, you might want to speak to a lawyer. I understand that might not be possible for a lot of people but an initial meeting with a lawyer is usually less than if you engaged with them to take your case.
- Do not worry if you can't afford a lawyer! There are other resources available - I attended some seminars by Valla and found them very useful.
- Speak to the Citizens Advice Bureau
- Seek help from friends and family. I offer a free service to hear you out - all other services will help you deal with the legal issues that you face but having someone on your side is important as well, especially someone who's been through the same thing.
For those of you reading this outside the UK, some of these suggestions aren't relevant but I hope that there are equivalent resources.
Lastly, if you've just had your initial redundancy meeting. Keep your head up, you are stronger than you think. The best of luck to you.