| Sometimes employers may try to use redundancy as | | | | business and becomes insolvent or dies. |
| an excuse for dismissing employees. There is, | | | | How to Seek Help |
| however, a clear distinction between your position | | | | If you believe that you have been declared redundant |
| genuinely becoming redundant and being unfairly | | | | for the wrong reasons, there is a 3 stage procedure |
| dismissed. | | | | which you should follow:o You should register a |
| If you are dismissed for reasons of redundancy then | | | | grievance in writing with your employer and state the |
| your dismissal must be caused by your employer's | | | | reasons for it.o You should then be invited to attend a |
| need to reduce their workforce. Your employer has to | | | | meeting with your employer to discuss your grievance. |
| demonstrate your role in the company is no longer | | | | After the meeting your employer should inform you of |
| required and they must follow the correct redundancy | | | | its decision - whether this redundancy decision stands |
| procedure - otherwise, it can be viewed as a case of | | | | or can be reversed if the company can offer suitable |
| unfair dismissal. | | | | alternative employment.o You then have the right of |
| Grounds for Redundancy | | | | appeal and to have a further meeting to discuss the |
| In order to protect employees from being made | | | | decision. |
| redundant on unnecessary grounds, employment law | | | | If discussions with your employer are proving |
| specifies certain conditions for a redundancy to be | | | | unsuccessful, speak to your trade union if you're a |
| genuine:o Cessation of the employer's business | | | | member. The union should be able to help you defend |
| operations or the part of its operations for which the | | | | your rights against unfair dismissal. |
| employee was hired;o Relocation of employer's | | | | You may find it useful to engage the services of an |
| business or operations or the need for a particular | | | | experienced employment law solicitor if your own |
| service has diminished or ceased.o The employee's | | | | efforts are proving unproductive. An employment law |
| services are no longer required - either because the | | | | solicitor can provide information on your rights and will |
| employer's business is not successful or the employer | | | | determine if you have been made redundant on |
| has decided to engage in another type of business | | | | insufficient grounds, if the incorrect procedure has |
| which does not require the skills set of the employee;o | | | | been followed or if you have been discriminated |
| The employee's work has been taken over by other | | | | against. They will also be able to assist you in drafting |
| employees;o The employer is the sole owner of the | | | | your grievance letter if required. |