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Returning to Work After Redundancy: What Are Your Rights?

Facing redundancy is challenging, but understanding your rights upon returning to work can empower you to make informed decisions. This guide outlines your entitlements and options under UK employment law.

Jump to:

  1. Understanding your redundancy rights
  2. Returning to work after redundancy
  3. Employer insolvency and your rights
  4. Seeking further support
  5. FAQs – Returning to work after redundancy: What are my rights?
  6. Conclusion: What are your rights returning to work after redundancy?
  7. Further reading & resources

Understanding your redundancy rights

If you’ve been made redundant, you’re entitled to:

  • Redundancy pay

    Statutory redundancy pay is available if you’ve been employed for at least two years. The amount depends on your age, length of service, and weekly earnings, capped at £719 per week as of April 2025, with a maximum total of £21,570.

  • Notice period

    You’re entitled to a notice period based on your length of service, or payment in lieu if specified in your contract.

  • Consultation

     Employers must consult with you about the redundancy process, especially if making 20 or more redundancies.

Returning to work after redundancy: your rights

Upon returning to work after redundancy, your rights include:

1

Right to return

If you were on maternity, adoption, or shared parental leave, you have the right to return to your original job or a suitable alternative.
2

Suitable alternative employment

If your role is redundant, your employer must offer you a suitable alternative if one is available. Refusing a reasonable offer may affect your redundancy pay.
3

Trial period

You have the right to a four-week trial period for any alternative role offered. If the role isn't suitable, you can leave without losing redundancy pay.

Employer insolvency and your rights

If your employer is insolvent, you may still be entitled to financial support. Here are key points to keep in mind:

  • Redundancy payments: You can apply to the Redundancy Payments Service for redundancy pay, unpaid wages, holiday pay, and statutory notice pay.
  • Application process: Applications can be made online, and payments are typically processed within six weeks.

Seeking further support

If you’re uncertain about your rights or need assistance, you may contact:

FAQs – Returning to work after redundancy: what are my rights?

Can I return to my employer after being made redundant?

Yes, if you were on maternity, adoption, or shared parental leave, you have the right to return to your original job or a suitable alternative. If your role is genuinely redundant, your employer must offer you an alternative position if available.

What are my rights if I refuse an alternative role after redundancy?

If you refuse a suitable alternative role, you may lose your redundancy pay. However, you have the right to a trial period (usually 4 weeks) to assess the new position. If it’s not suitable, you can leave without forfeiting your redundancy pay.

Can I claim redundancy pay after returning to work?

If your employer rehires you after redundancy and you’re not offered a suitable alternative, you can claim redundancy pay. However, if you accept a new role or return to work under the same conditions, you may not be entitled to redundancy payments.

How long after redundancy can I return to the same employer?

If you return to the same employer after redundancy, you must do so within four weeks of being an alternative role – otherwise,  your redundancy pay rights may be affected.

What happens if my employer goes bankrupt after redundancy?

If your employer becomes insolvent, you can apply to the Redundancy Payments Service for statutory redundancy pay, unpaid wages, and notice pay. You must file a claim within 6 months of the redundancy date.

Conclusion: what are your rights returning to work after redundancy?

Understanding your rights after redundancy is crucial. Whether you’re returning to work or seeking new opportunities, knowing your entitlements ensures you’re treated fairly. Don’t hesitate to seek advice and support to navigate this transition confidently.

ivee is the all-in-one platform for your return to work. We’re here to support you from the day you leave work until a few years into your next job. 

Further reading & resources

  1. GOV.UK – Redundancy: your rights
  2. GOV.UK – Your rights if your employer is insolvent

Join our growing community of those experiencing redundancy

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about redundancy during this climate, we’re here to help. Join our community for personalised advice and support on navigating this change.
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