Coping with redundancy

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Redundancy is an unpleasant fact of the modern working environment. The concept of a job-for-life is a long distant memory in today’s world of mergers, takeovers, downsizing and organisational “restructuring”.

No matter how secure you think your job is today, things could change radically tomorrow, and, like it or not, the threat of redundancy is very real.

Organisations need to stay competitive in order to survive, and often look to restructure and re-organise in an attempt to minimise costs and maximise efficiency. That process could easily mean that your job becomes surplus to requirements.

Feelings of shock, fear, anger and despair are common when you first hear you’re being made redundant. As emotions jostle for supremacy, it’s easy to lose your sense of perspective. But retaining that perspective is vital if you’re going to come through the trauma of redundancy unscathed.

The first, and perhaps the most important thing to remember is that it’s the job that’s being made redundant, not the person.

Many highly skilled and capable people are made redundant every year through no fault of their own – simply because the role that they fulfil within the organisation is no longer required.

The fact that your position has been made redundant is no reflection on your ability or performance at work.

Secondly, remember that at the end of the day all you’ve lost is a job. Unlike your family, your friends or your health, a job is a disposable commodity that can be replaced, often by something better.

If you’re faced with redundancy here are a few things to consider:

• Take stock: redundancy gives you a great opportunity to re-assess your career, your life and what’s important to you. Look at it as a potential catalyst to bigger and better things; something that forces you out of your comfort zone and prompts you to take action towards achieving your goals.
• Talk to other people: talking to people you know who’ve been through the experience will help. You’ll be surprised by how many of them look back at their redundancy in a positive light.
• Get what you can: many companies only offer the statutory redundancy packages they’re obliged to under Irish law. Don’t let that stop you from negotiating for more: the more you get the easier the transition between jobs will be. If you’re affiliated to a trade union, see if they have negotiated preferential redundancy rates for members.
• Sign on immediately: this is important to maintain your PRSI (National Insurance) contributions, and the money every week will help supplement your savings while you look for work.
• Start job-hunting: finding a new job can take a while, so start looking immediately. Your employer is obliged to give you time off during your notice period to look for work.
• Tighten the belt: cutting back on unnecessary spending and sticking to a strict budget while your income is suppressed will help reduce financial pressure.
  Most of all, try to maintain a positive outlook, and look at your redundancy as a stepping stone to the next phase of a diverse and interesting career.

For full details of your employers statutory redundancy obligations under Irish law, and general redundancy advice, see the redundancy section of the Citizens Information website, call them on 1890 777 121 or visit your local office.