First steps
One step at a time. You've got this.
You don't have to sort everything today. This is the order that matters: protect your position first, then steady your money, then look after yourself and look forward.
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Day one
Breathe, and don’t rush
- Don’t sign anything today You almost always have time. Ask how long you have to consider any agreement, and get that in writing.
- Ask for everything in writing Your leaving date, notice, the package calculation, and what happens to pay, holiday, bonus, pension and shares.
- Write down what was said Who said what at each meeting, and when. Notes made on the day carry far more weight than memories weeks later.
- Tell someone you trust Redundancy is a shock, even when you saw it coming. Talking it through helps.
This week
Protect your position
- Keep copies of your own employment records Your contract, payslips, tax documents, letters, appraisals and consultation notes. Work email and systems can disappear on your last day. Keep to your personal records, not company confidential information.
- Check your start date and length of service Compare your contract, first payslip and HR record. Qualifying thresholds can be worth a lot of money.
- Confirm your holiday balance Untaken holiday is paid out, so make sure the number is right.
- Put every deadline in your calendar Internal appeal windows can be as short as five working days. Benefit and tribunal deadlines are in your country guide.
- Work out what your package should be Then compare it with what you have been offered.
- Get independent advice before you sign Many employers contribute towards legal fees for advice on a severance or settlement agreement. Ask.
Weeks one and two
Steady the ship
- Claim unemployment support straight away Late claims can lose you money. Your country guide explains what to claim and how.
- Work out your runway Knowing how long your money lasts takes a lot of the fear out of it.
- List your essential bills and pause the non-essentials Subscriptions, memberships and anything you won’t miss for a few months.
- Talk to your lender early if you are worried Lenders have more options before you miss a payment than after.
- Keep your lump sum somewhere safe and separate A separate account stops it leaking into everyday spending. Avoid big financial decisions until the dust settles.
- Check workplace benefits that stop when you leave Health insurance, life cover, income protection, phone, car, gym. Decide which you need to replace.
Weeks two to four
Look after yourself, and look forward
- Update your CV and LinkedIn while the details are fresh Projects, results, numbers, names of people who will vouch for you.
- Ask for references and recommendations now Before colleagues move on or memories fade.
- Ask about outplacement, coaching or training support Some employers offer it but don’t advertise it.
- Build a routine Regular hours for job-hunting, exercise and time with people make the weeks feel less shapeless.
- Talk to someone if it is weighing on you Free, confidential support is a phone call or text away.
- Hear from people who have been through it Plenty of people look back on redundancy as a turning point.
Day one
Breathe, and don’t rush
- Don’t sign anything today You almost always have time. Ask how long you have to consider any agreement, and get that in writing.
- Ask for everything in writing Your leaving date, notice, the package calculation, and what happens to pay, holiday, bonus, pension and shares.
- Write down what was said Who said what at each meeting, and when. Notes made on the day carry far more weight than memories weeks later.
- Tell someone you trust Redundancy is a shock, even when you saw it coming. Talking it through helps.
This week
Protect your position
- Keep copies of your own employment records Your contract, payslips, tax documents, letters, appraisals and consultation notes. Work email and systems can disappear on your last day. Keep to your personal records, not company confidential information.
- Check your start date and length of service Compare your contract, first payslip and HR record. Qualifying thresholds can be worth a lot of money.
- Confirm your holiday balance Untaken holiday is paid out, so make sure the number is right.
- Put every deadline in your calendar Internal appeal windows can be as short as five working days. Benefit and tribunal deadlines are in your country guide.
- Work out what your package should be Then compare it with what you have been offered.
- Get independent advice before you sign Many employers contribute towards legal fees for advice on a severance or settlement agreement. Ask.
Weeks one and two
Steady the ship
- Claim unemployment support straight away Late claims can lose you money. Your country guide explains what to claim and how.
- Work out your runway Knowing how long your money lasts takes a lot of the fear out of it.
- List your essential bills and pause the non-essentials Subscriptions, memberships and anything you won’t miss for a few months.
- Talk to your lender early if you are worried Lenders have more options before you miss a payment than after.
- Keep your lump sum somewhere safe and separate A separate account stops it leaking into everyday spending. Avoid big financial decisions until the dust settles.
- Check workplace benefits that stop when you leave Health insurance, life cover, income protection, phone, car, gym. Decide which you need to replace.
Weeks two to four
Look after yourself, and look forward
- Update your CV and LinkedIn while the details are fresh Projects, results, numbers, names of people who will vouch for you.
- Ask for references and recommendations now Before colleagues move on or memories fade.
- Ask about outplacement, coaching or training support Some employers offer it but don’t advertise it.
- Build a routine Regular hours for job-hunting, exercise and time with people make the weeks feel less shapeless.
- Talk to someone if it is weighing on you Free, confidential support is a phone call or text away.
- Hear from people who have been through it Plenty of people look back on redundancy as a turning point.