Frequently Asked Questions

Rights & Advice

Q. I run a business and I am going to have to make staff cutbacks, where can I access advice on the procedure?

A. Redundancy can be a very unsettling time for your employees, therefore it is essential you inform and consult them appropriately.  ACAS can offer specialist advice on redundancy and restructuring, including viable alternatives to redundancy.  Visit their Redundancy and Notice section of their website for more information.

Q.  What information must I disclose about proposed redundancies?

A. During a consultation period, an employer must consult the worker’s union and the individual regarding redundancies.  The following information is required:

• reasons for the proposed redundancies
• numbers and descriptions of employees affected
• proposed method of selecting the employees who may be dismissed
• proposed method of carrying out the dismissals, taking account of any agreed procedure, including the period over which the dismissals are to take effect
• how redundancy payments, other than the legal minimum, will be calculated

If you need help and guidance on how and when to consult your staff, or have any questions on how to consult those not currently affected by redundancies, speak to an ACAS adviser on 08457 47 47 47.

Finances

Q. How much redundancy pay are my staff entitled to?

A. An employee being made redundant with two or more years' continuous service has the right to receive:

• a statutory redundancy payment
• a written statement setting out the payment amount and how it was calculated

For information and guidance on how to calculate your employee’s redundancy pay visit the Business Link website for BIS’ Redundancy Calculator or call the Redundancy Payments Helpline on 0845 145 0004.

Q. I can’t afford to keep on some of my staff anymore, what alternatives are available to redundancy?

A. You should take reasonable steps to avoid compulsory redundancies by considering alternatives, such as:

• seeking applicants for voluntary redundancy and/or early retirement
• flexible working practices for existing staff
• laying off casual or contract staff
• recruitment restrictions 
• reducing or banning overtime 
• filling vacancies with existing employees 
• retraining employees and then moving them to other parts of the business 
• short-time working or temporary lay-offs

Effective planning and consultation can help to reduce redundancies.  For advice and guidance contact your local Business Link advisor on 0845 600 9 006 or call ACAS on 08457 47 47 47.

Training Opportunities

Q. I’d like to up skill my staff, but I don’t know what help is available.  What types of training is available for my company?

A. Business Link advisors are trained to spot gaps in staff skills, and it can make a real difference to your business.  Employers can benefit from a range of training solutions.  Providers and training programmes are matched to meet business and individual objectives.  Delivery may be through structured learning such as an NVQ or Apprenticeship programme, or a bespoke training package tailored to your company.  To speak to a skills broker call Business Link on 08456 048 048 or email info@businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk

The Train to Gain Engage website describes what services are available from Train to Gain and eligibility criteria, including the National Employer Service and the National Apprenticeship Service.

Advice on Leadership skills, Valuing graduates and Sector-specific help is available on this site.

Q. What financial support is available for companies wishing to train their staff?

A. Train to Gain is the national service for employers which is aimed at helping identify skills needs for their organisation and funding where appropriate.  There is a wide range of fully funded and part funded training, including varying levels of qualifications.  In Yorkshire and the Humber the Train to Gain Enhancement Fund has been established to support types of training not currently supported by the core Train to Gain service, allowing greater flexibilities within the system.

For more information on the National Train to Gain service call 0845 600 0 006 and for advice regarding the Yorkshire and Humber Enhancement Fund call 01422 399339.

Business Link’s Skills Advisers can help you to identify any additional funding and support that is available to your organisation.  Speak to an Advisor on 08456 048 048 or browse their website. 

Job Search

Q. I’m looking to recruit more staff, what are the benefits of taking on someone who has been made redundant?

A. To help make your next recruitment decision an easy one, Jobcentre Plus is offering £1000 for every eligible person that you recruit, who has been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for 6 months or more.  

The amount of people applying for work is higher than ever, making it extremely difficult for people who have been unemployed for over 6 months to find work, despite their impressive CV’s and experience.  Thousands of eligible candidates looking for work want you to notice their potential and may refer to the £1000 in their letter of application, as part of their CV, on your application forms, or during your recruitment process. 

The package from Jobcentre Plus can also allow you to receive up to £1,500 worth of in-house training for your new recruit.  The process for claiming is simple.  Visit the Jobcentre Plus website for advice on making a claim, for either less or more than 12 people per year.

Q. What is outplacement and how can I assist my employees into new employment?

A. Outplacement is a term used to describe the efforts made by a downsizing company to help its redundant employees through the redundancy transition and help them re-orientate to the job market.  This is achieved through practical and psychological support. Outplacement is either delivered through individual one-on-one sessions or in a group format. Topics include career guidance, career evaluation, resume writing and interview preparation, developing networks, job search skills and targeting the job market. Individuals may be offered other services such as the use of an office and online tools.

A consultancy firm usually provides the outplacement services; search in Google for outplacement companies to find the best suited package for your business.  Some companies also offer facilitation if you find you are in a position where you can re-recruit staff you had previously needed to make redundant.