Karren Brady’s career advice on what to do when you’re going through redundancy

APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions, plus we launch our new money column.

Here she gives a reader advice on what to do after she’s learned that she’s been made redundant.

Q) I’ve been told I’m going to be made redundant from my job as an office manager.

I’m 55 and have worked there for 25 years, though the business was taken over by a larger company five years ago.

My salary’s never been huge, but I earn more than the administrators the company employs, many of whom have joined straight out of college.

I can’t help feeling it was the plan all along to get rid of me as I’m more expensive, but I don’t have proof – all my boss has said is that they no longer need an office manager.

They have offered me a small payout. Is there anything I can do?

Janet, via email

A) Before your employer selects anyone for redundancy, by law they must follow a consultation process.

They should meet with you and you can ask questions and make suggestions on how your redundancy could be avoided.

They might need to talk to you more than once to make sure they can respond to all your suggestions or requests, and you can ask them to put everything in writing.

How much redundancy pay you get depends on your age, your hours and how long you’ve worked for your employer.

Check your contract to see whether you’re entitled to a payment above the statutory rate (the minimum the law says you should get).

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) details what the process should entail, how to work out your pay and where to go for help at Acas.org.uk.

With the cost of living crisis, it’s a stressful time to be going through redundancy.

Make sure you reach out for help if you need it – Mind.org.uk has great advice, and Samaritans offers emotional support in times of distress. 

• Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk