COVID-19 live Q&A: Following a fair redundancy process
We will be hosting two sessions to cater more specifically to the size of your organisation; please select the option that is most appropriate for you when registering.
With latest official figures already revealing 730,000 jobs losses since lockdown began, businesses are set to face yet more difficult decisions as the government’s Job Retention Scheme, which has been a lifeline to businesses throughout the pandemic, is gradually withdrawn.
The Bank of England has warned that the jobless rate could hit 7.5% by the year’s end, with aviation and retail sectors hit hardest by the crisis.
Naturally, as the redundancy rate increases, we will no doubt see a sharp rise in unfair dismissal and discriminations claims made against employers. Conciliation service Acas has seen the use of its advice line almost triple as furlough support begins to wind down, and Citizens Advice has similarly reported a surge in the demand for redundancy advice.
With this in mind, Ellis Whittam is hosting a live Q&A focusing exclusively on the topic of Following a fair redundancy processto help businesses manage the process confidently and compliantly, thereby reducing the potential for costly Employment Tribunal claims later down the line.
Hosted by our Employment Law Director, James Tamm, this virtual session will cover key areas of redundancy including:
The importance of putting together a water-tight business case and rationale;
How to determine whether you are in fact in a redundancy situation;
How to devise a fair pool for selection and identify those at risk;
If you are making 20 or more staff redundant, the need for collective consultation and the formal process of electing representatives;
How to create and apply fair, objective and non-discriminatory selection criteria (and criteria to avoid);
The duty to consider alternative employment for those at risk; and
Redundancy pay or the use of settlement agreements.
There will also be an opportunity to submit your questions to James during the session for specialist advice on your specific situation. However, if you would like to submit a query in advance, you can do so via email to enquiries@worknest.com.
Not only is redundancy a particularly stressful time for all involved, but it is also fraught with risk. This practical 45-minute advice session will help those in leadership roles understand what a fair redundancy process looks like, and the far-reaching implications of procedural mismanagement. Whether you are streamlining your operations to survive the pandemic or contemplating dissolution, join us to reduce the potential for legal repercussions and/or protect the reputation and long-term sustainability of your business during this critical time.
For the most up-to-date Employment Law and Health & Safety advice to support your business through the COVID-19 pandemic, visit our Coronavirus Advice Hub, which is updated daily and contains a variety of free guidance notes, letter templates, checklists, risk assessments and more.
“We are delighted with the service and support from Ellis Whittam. Professional and timely responses with concise and informative guidance to help us make employee decisions in the best interests of the business. We now consider the team at Ellis Whittam an extension of our HR service and Business Support Team. Having Ellis Whittam on board gives us the confidence to navigate the employment and HR challenges we need to overcome.”