Redundancy can come as a major blow, shaking your confidence, your finances, and your sense of security. And if you think your dismissal isn’t fair, that blow feels even harder. But you don’t have to take it lying down.
You can challenge the decision, protect your rights, and turn the situation to your advantage, if you take the right steps.
Four ways to fight your redundancy
1. Check if your redundancy is genuine
A genuine redundancy means:
- Your role truly isn’t needed anymore (you’re not being replaced by someone)
- The selection process for deciding who’s let go was objective and consistent
- Your employer followed all legal consultation and notice procedures
If your employer skipped any of these, or your role is advertised again under a different title soon after, it can be a sign that your redundancy isn’t genuine.
2. Look for unfair dismissal or discrimination
Your redundancy could be unlawful if it’s based on:
- Your age, race, gender, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic
- You reporting improper behaviour or raising legitimate concerns at work
- Your being pregnant, sick, or on parental leave
- Being targeted personally without a genuine reason
If you suspect you’re being let go for any of these reasons, gather together all the evidence you can, including emails, meeting notes, and any relevant comments made. You might be able to bring a claim for unfair dismissal against your employer.
3. Review your contract and company policy
Carefully go through your employment contract and any relevant company policies. Look for clauses about redundancy, notice periods, and whether your employer is required to offer you a different role within the organisation (redeployment) before ending your employment.
Also, check if the severance pay you’ve been offered matches what is stated in your contract, company policy, or related employment law. You worked hard in your role. So make sure you get what you’re entitled to.
4. Act quickly
You have a short period (sometimes three months or less) in which to challenge your redundancy, through a tribunal, grievance, or union support. So contact your union (if you have one) or an employment lawyer as soon as possible.
You can also ask for the written reason for your redundancy. In the UK an employer may well need to provide it by law.
Stand up, speak out, take control
Losing your job doesn’t have to mean losing your power.
By knowing your rights, gathering evidence, and taking action, you’ll give yourself the best chance of challenging an unfair dismissal.
Even if you can’t reverse your redundancy, standing up for yourself can lead to better terms, protect your professional reputation, and send a clear message that you won’t accept unfair treatment.
So start taking back control today.
Helpful sources
“Make sure your redundancy is genuine,” Citizens Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/redundancy/check-your-rights-if-youre-made-redundant/check-if-you-can-challenge-your-redundancy/make-sure-your-redundancy-is-genuine/
“Dismissal: Your Rights,” UK Government
https://www.gov.uk/dismissal/unfair-and-constructive-dismissal
“Redeployment Rights: Guide for Employers,” Davidson Morris
https://www.davidsonmorris.com/redeployment-rights
“Get help with a problem at work,” Citizens Advice
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/getting-help/what-help-can-i-get-with-a-problem-at-work
