Redundancy checklist for employers

1. Give early warning of possible redundancy situations and consider other ways to reduce costs in addition or prior to contemplating redundancy.
2. Hold full and meaningful consultation with employees and representatives
3. Ensure selection for redundancy does not discriminate directly or indirectly against a particular group of employees based on their gender, maternity status, religion, race, colour, ethnic or national origins, disability, age, religion or belief, gender reassignment, trade union membership or non membership or sexual orientation
4. Consider whether any suitable alternative employment exists
5. Remember the legal protection enjoyed by pregnant employees on maternity leave
6. Give employees selected for redundancy their notice entitlement
7. Allow employees who are made redundant the right of appeal
8. Provide counselling, if available, for employees selected for redundancy
9. Make redundancy payments where applicable
10. Prepare P45 certificates for all departing employees.

Useful external links:

• Business Link
• Directgov
• Acas
• HM Revenue and Customs

Reviewed and updated by the HR Services Partnership – April 2010.

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