Reacting to Redundancy
Unemployment can happen to anyone, not because they are inadequate workers but because of circumstances over which they have no control.
Losing a job may be more distressing for some than for others. However, there are several recognisable phases which people experience and it is quite normal to go through some or all of them. You may recognise some of these in yourself and an awareness of what is happening can help you to move into a more constructive phase or at least feel less isolated.
• The first reaction is usually one of
shock and
disbelief. Some people become very apathetic and inactive. Others rush around doing things without any objective or too little effect. The best thing is to let the shock phase work itself through your system until you can become more objective about your situation. This may take longer for some people, but it is important to share the problem as the support of family and friends can be a tremendous help.
•
Resentment usually follows the first shock reaction when feelings of bitterness emerge against your former employer, former workmates and friends. You may feel that everything is pointless and hopeless. Here also the support and encouragement of family and friends is essential. It is important not to lose your employer’s goodwill since you may need a good reference in the future.
• Some people become
passive and start to get up late each morning, accept the situation and make little attempt to change it. Unemployment can start to become a way of life. It is dangerous to let this phase continue for long because the longer it lasts the harder it is to change
• Finally, you should move into a stage where you become more
positive and start taking steps towards getting back into employment, difficult though it may be. Start getting up early, set yourself a programme of daily job-searching and impose self- discipline. This will require considerable effort, readjustment and perseverance.
How each person goes through these stages will vary. The important thing is to know what to expect, to recognise the stage you are at and hopefully to get through it as quickly as possible in order to start purposeful job-hunting.
Reviewing Your Careers
Redundancy can offer a chance to examine your working life to date and to decide on future ambitions. Many people have worked for years at jobs which they obtained as a result of luck or chance. They may have done the job well enough but they may also be capable of doing an entirely different job which would give greater satisfaction. Redundancy may not be something you would seek out for yourself but it could present an opportunity to take stock of your own talents, interests, and ambitions and to make decisions about your future career. You may wish to find a completely different type of job, to retrain for something else, to embark on a course of further or higher education or to start working for yourself. Your nearest JobCentre can provide information and advice.
Using Your Local JobCentre JobCentres are situated in main towns throughout Northern Ireland. The main facilities offered are as following:
•
Job Opportunities JobCentres operate a “self-service” system. Check the vacancies on display, note the reference number of anything you’re interested in and take it to the receptionist who will provide further details and arrange an interview if appropriate.
•
Advisory Services If you cannot find a suitable vacancy or need further advice you may wish to talk to a member of staff who will discuss local vacancies, jobs in other areas, occupational information, voluntary work, self-employment, further education, job applications and interview techniques.
•
Training Courses Information on training courses is available.
•
Help for Disabled People If you are disabled in any way, specially trained staff called Disablement Employment Advisers (DEAs) can help you make best use of your abilities by assisting you to obtain suitable employment or training.
The services mentioned are free and available to you whether you are in employment or not.
Financial Assistance When you become unemployed you may be entitled to some of the following benefits / entitlements:-
Wages: Holiday pay or wages in lieu of notice.
Occupational pension: If you belong to an employers’ scheme, your rights depend on its own rules. Your company personnel officer (or pensions office) will advise on your options.
Redundancy payment or compensation: When an employee has been made redundant, s/he may be entitled to a redundancy payment in compensation. Employment Rights Division of the Department for Employment and Learning have produced a number of guidance booklets which give general information on Employment Rights issues and one specifically on the statutory redundancy payments scheme. You should ask for Employment Rights Booklet No: 3 “Redundancy Payments” – available from your local JobCentre, Employment Rights 2 Branch, (see list of useful addresses) or by download from the Library section of the Department's web site at
www.delni.gov.uk/er/ The Labour Relations Agency provides impartial advice and assistance on employment relations or employment policies and procedures in Northern Ireland.
Social Security benefits: As soon as possible on or before the first day of unemployment you should make an appointment for a Jobseeker interview at your nearest Jobs and Benefits Office to complete a JSA1. Take your P45 if possible. At the interview you will be advised about what you are entitled to.
Income Tax Refund: Contact your tax office where staff will advise on possibility of a tax refund.
Other benefits: If you have children at school you may be entitled to an allowance for school meals/uniforms. (Enquire at your local Education and Library Board Office.) If you are on a low income or in receipt of a Social Security Benefit you may be entitled to help towards cost of dental/optical treatment and free prescription charges. Ask for details at the Jobs and Benefits Office.
When you become redundant it is vital to consider all financial commitments. There are:
Mortgage: Contact your Building Society immediately. Staff will advise on an action plan until your finances are sorted out. In some cases mortgage repayments are suspended but the amount of redundancy payment will be taken into consideration.
Housing Benefits: Ask for Form HB1 available from your local Jobs and Benefits Office or Housing Executive. Each application will be judged on its own merit.
Rate Rebate: Apply to your local Rate Collection Agency. Your entitlement to any reduction in rates will be means tested.
Hire Purchase Liability: inform the finance company if you are finding it difficult
to meet your repayments. If you are in receipt of certain allowances you may be entitled to help towards the outstanding dept from the Social Fund. Ask for details at the Jobs and Benefits Office.
Insurance Policies It is a great temptation to redeem insurance policies. Make this a last resort as it robs your family of financial protection. If you need help with any of these decisions, ask your Bank Manager, Accountant or other financial adviser.
Further Information The following information articles are available also within the website
www.careersserviceni.com under 'General Information'.
Job Interviews
Applying for Jobs
Self Assessment
“What Colour is Your Parachute”, available from Trotman & Co. Ltd, 2 The Green, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1PL. Tel: 020 8486 1150.Website:
www.trotmanpublishing.co.ukUseful Address
Department for Employment and Learning
Employment Rights 2
Room 203
Adelaide House
39-49 Adelaide Street
Belfast BT2 8FD
Tel: 028 90257580
Fax: 028 90257555
Department for Employment and Learning
Redundancy Payments Service
Room 203
Adelaide House
39-49 Adelaide Street
Belfast BT2 8FD
Freephone: 0800 585811
E-mail:rpsquery@delni.gov.uk
Labour Relations Agency
2-8 Gordon Street
Belfast BT1 2LG
Tel: 028 9032 1442
Fax: 028 9033 0827
Website:
www.lra.org.uk
Labour Relations Agency
Regional Office
1-3 Guildhall Street
Londonderry BT48 6BJ
Tel: 028 7126 9639
Fax: 028 7126 7729