Redundancy and notice
Any uncertainty over potential job losses can be very distressing for workers and employers. An ongoing dialogue between the two sides on the state of the business and future prospects can be useful in preparing people for the possibility of bad news. It may even provide the chance of agreeing steps to limit or avoid any damage.
It can also help if everyone is clear about the rights and issues surrounding different scenarios, including redundancy, lay-offs and short-time working and transfer of undertakings (TUPE).
Download the 
Full version of the Advice leaflet - Lay-offs and short-time working [102kb].
For employers' advice on redundancy, download the Advisory booklet - How to manage collective redundancies [801kb] or see our recent case studies on redundancy.
Watch our video Breaking bad news at work: The role of the redundancy envoy
The video offers employers practical advice to help managers deal with the emotions, tensions and difficult decisions of downsizing.
It includes interviews with Adrian Wakeling, Acas senior guidance editor, and Dr Ian Ashman from the Institute for Research into Organisation, Work and Employment at the University of Central Lancashire's Business School. Dr Ashman studied the experiences of envoys, or tellers as they are also called, across the public and private sectors for Acas.
Breaking bad news at work - The role of the redundancy envoy transcript [35kb]
View Acas advice and guidance in the following areas:
Did you know?
Acas run practical training courses to equip managers, supervisors and HR professionals with the necessary skills to deal with employment relations issues and to create more productive workplace environments.
Click to view related Acas training and course dates in your area for:
- Redundancy and restructuring
- Managing change
- Having difficult conversations
- Improving supervisor skills
- Contracts of employment.
Acas Helpline
Is redundancy an issue your organisation is currently facing? If so the Acas Helpline can help you increase your understanding of the procedures and processes to make sure yours are correct. We can also help you explore options and alternatives to redundancy.
Call the Acas Helpline on 08457 47 47 47 for free and impartial advice.
Have you been approached by anyone claiming to be working in association with Acas?
If you think you have we've provided some advice and guidance on what to do and what to look out for to avoid Acas imitators.
Acas Model Workplace
Acas' free online tool, the Acas Model Workplace is designed to help organisations check that they have the right people management policies in place.
Of those who have used the Acas online tool, more than a quarter (28%) said that it had made them aware of an area where their organisation was not complying with the law (through incorrect people policies and procedures).
A lot of employers don't realise that they are following out-of-date practices. Or that they need to introduce new policies to comply with employment legislation. Further findings from the survey of employers show that 55% actively changed practices based on what they found when using the Acas Model Workplace tool.
This tool is free to use. Why not take a few minutes to check your policies and procedures today.
