Redundancy can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to derail your confidence or future plans. If you’ve recently been made redundant in the UK, there are practical, empowering steps you can take right away to protect your finances, understand your rights, and prepare for what’s next. This guide walks you through everything from claiming redundancy pay and benefits to upskilling and rebuilding your career, so you can move forward with clarity, not confusion.
Jump to:
- What’s the best free course to do after being made redundant?
- How do I prioritise my wellbeing after being made redundant?
- What are my legal & financial rights after being made redundant?
- How do I calculate my redundancy pay smartly?
- What benefits & financial support is available for redundancy?
- How do I plan my next move after redundancy?
- How should I update my CV and LinkedIn after redundancy?
- Should I upskill or reskill after redundancy?
- Is there a checklist of what to do immediately after being made redundant?
- FAQs: what to do immediately after being made redundant
- Conclusion: steps to take immediately after being made redundant
- Further reading & references
What’s the best free course to do after being made redundant?
Don’t try to navigate redundancy alone. Get expert guidance and support by joining a free Return to Work Bootcamp, specifically designed for those returning to the workforce after redundancy.
You’ll get:
- CV and LinkedIn upgrades tailored to the current job market
- Live expert coaching on confidence, interviews, and your career strategy
- Peer support from a motivated group
- Action plans to help you secure your next role faster
This 5*-rated, free course gives you the structure, accountability, and tools to move forward with confidence.
How do I prioritise my wellbeing after being made redundant?
First things first: be kind to yourself. Redundancy can feel disorientating and emotionally heavy. According to wellbeing experts like Mind, it’s okay to take a moment to process your feelings. You don’t have to rush straight into job hunting if your mental health needs time to recover. Small actions (like journaling, walking, or light volunteering) can help regain clarity.
What are my legal & financial rights after being made redundant?
As a UK employee with at least two years’ continuous service, you’re entitled to:
- Statutory redundancy pay, calculated based on your length of service, age, and capped weekly pay Iplus the first £30,000 is tax-free).
- Notice pay, holiday pay, and any unpaid wages or bonuses.
If your employer can’t pay (e.g. insolvency), you can apply through GOV.UK for these payments. Check and submit within six months of being made redundant.
Also, you can legally ask for time off during your notice period to job search, typically up to 40% of one week’s pay.
How do I calculate my redundancy pay smartly?
Use the GOV.UK redundancy pay calculator to verify your entitlement. This helps confirm if your employer has met the correct pay levels.
Be aware that rejecting a “suitable alternative” job without valid reason may disqualify you from receiving redundancy pay.
What benefits & financial support is available for redundancy?
Apply for Universal Credit immediately if necessary. Bear in mind the wait time for initial payments. If you miss it, you may struggle to meet living costs.
Check what other cost-of-living assistance or means-tested support you may be entitled to via GOV.UK.
How do I plan my next move after redundancy?
Take inventory of your skills and goals: this is a chance to explore what your next move really looks like. As suggested by Audrey (City CV), reassess your career direction. Maybe this is the moment for a pivot or purposeful shift.
How should I update my CV and LinkedIn after redundancy?
✅ Join ivee’s free Return to Work Bootcamp
Get actionable advice regarding framing redundancy on your CV & LinkedIn.
✅ Apply to the National Careers Service
Find support with job searching, CVs, cover letters, and career planning.
✅ Lead with confidence
Refresh your CV quickly, explaining your redundancy neutrally (e.g. “position eliminated due to restructuring”).
✅ Use your network
They often deliver faster opportunities than job boards. Be prepared to ask for support, introductions, or casual chats to explore roles.
Should I upskill or reskill after redundancy?
Use online platforms like ivee, OpenLearn, or FutureLearn to acquire new skills. These can sometimes be free if you’re eligible.
This maintains momentum and can widen your career pathway, which is especially valuable in uncertain times.
Find out the most in-demand skills in the current UK job market.
Is there a checklist of what to do immediately after being made redundant?
Here is a quick action checklist:
- Enroll in a free Return to Work Bootcamp
- Allow yourself a moment to process and plan mentally
- Confirm your redundancy rights and payments
- Use online calculators and Government services to claim owed funds
- Apply for benefits if needed
- Reflect on your goals and next steps with intention
- Refresh job materials and reach out to your network
- Enroll in upskilling or reskilling programmes
- Begin planning your return to work
FAQs: what to do immediately after being made redundant
Conclusion: steps to take immediately after being made redundant
Redundancy is undeniably tough, but it’s also a reset button. Begin with self-care, understand your entitlements, and protect your finances. Then, shift into planning, redeployment, and upskilling. Whether you’re heading back into your field, pivoting careers, or exploring entirely new paths, you’ll find your next opportunity equipped with clarity, confidence, and support.
Ready to return to work?
Take the first step and enroll in our free Return to Work Bootcamp, specifically designed around redundancy
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