Do I have to disclose that I was made redundant?

Asked by: Miller Powlowski  |  Last update: February 4, 2025
Score: 5/5 (30 votes)

(Note, there's no need to mention redundancy on your CV, it's not standard practice to provide details on why you left previous roles.) However, if an interviewer asks, you should be honest and tell them you were made redundant – so you need to prepare an answer.

Do you have to tell your employer you were made redundant?

There's no need to go into detail, but in one or two sentences you should be able to explain the relevant background information. While it's good to be open about your redundancy, it's important to make sure the conversation isn't only about redundancy.

Do you have to say you were made redundant?

It's crucial to be open, honest and succinct about your redundancy on your CV.

Should I tell people I've been made redundant?

If you are asked, you should tell the truth. There is no shame in being made redundant, this happens all the time to good employees. However, lying is never a good idea and if discovered could result in withdrawal of a job offer.

Does being made redundant look bad on a CV?

A2A. It is ok to be redundant 2 or 3 times, but not more than that. Too much redundancy will be distracting and may give the impression the person is padding the resume.

How to Talk About Being Made Redundant in a Job Interview

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Can I tell colleagues I've been made redundant?

There is no legal obligation upon you to keep your redundancy secret, it is just something that your employer has asked you to do. Of course, if you are definitely being made redundant then it does not matter if you talk about it – the worst that could happen is that you could be dismissed.

Does redundancy affect future employment?

How will redundancy affect your future employment opportunities? It won't. In today's market redundancy is not unusual. And depending on your industry you may experience it more than once.

What are the 5 stages of redundancy?

Basically, there are five main stages to consider during the redundancy process:
  • Stage 1: Preparation. ...
  • Stage 2: Selection. ...
  • Stage 3: Individual Consultation. ...
  • Stage 4: Notice of Redundancy and Appeals. ...
  • Stage 5: The Termination Process.

How do you announce someone has been made redundant?

Stay neutral and remain professional but be compassionate and respectful of how difficult it may be for them. Allow them time to process the information and express their feelings then move on to practical issues. Avoid trying to reassure them with statements like “You'll find another job easily.”

Is being made redundant the same as being fired?

What is redundancy? Redundancy happens when your job disappears. It's not the same as being dismissed from your job for other reasons. When you're made redundant, you've done nothing wrong and no one is questioning your ability to do your job.

Can I work for a company that made me redundant?

Firstly, there are no restrictions on re-employing somebody who's been made redundant – in accordance with a legally compliant redundancy process. There should be no issues with re-employing your former employee, provided a genuine redundancy situation existed when they were let go.

Do you have to work out your notice if made redundant?

In practice, if you are being dismissed your employer will normally pay you a lump sum instead and allow you to leave immediately. If the employer requires you to work your notice and you do not, the employer can treat this as unauthorised absence and will not normally have to pay you for the days you miss.

What are my rights when my job is eliminated?

If you've lost your job, you have certain rights, such as the right to continue your health care coverage and, in some cases, the right to unemployment compensation.

Should I say I was made redundant?

It's smart to let prospective employers know you were made redundant. Remember that you must not lie during a job search or hiring process. It's crucial to be honest. While you don't need to give the reason for leaving your current employer on your CV or cover letter, you may be asked in an interview.

Do you have to disclose redundancy?

Without a settlement agreement, redundancy is generally not confidential. This means you are free to discuss the situation unless you are bound by another agreement. However, once you sign a settlement agreement, the confidentiality clause usually applies, and you must keep the terms private.

Can I resign after being made redundant?

If you want to leave early. If you've been given notice of redundancy, including your dismissal date, you might want to leave early. For example, if you've already found another job. To leave early and still get your redundancy pay, you need to give 'counter-notice' during the 'obligatory period'.

Can I tell people I was made redundant?

If you feel comfortable, tell friends and relatives that you were made redundant.

Is being made redundant traumatic?

Whether expected or sudden, redundancy can cause huge uncertainty, stress and anxiety, and can make existing mental health problems worse.

What is the 4 week rule redundancy?

You have the right to a 4-week trial period for any alternative employment you're offered. The 4-week period could be extended if you need training. Any extension must be agreed in writing before the trial period starts. Tell your employer during the trial period if you decide the new job is not suitable.

What are the signs of being made redundant?

There may also be signs that your risk of redundancy is higher than your peers. Signs such as unusually close supervision, criticism of your work, a relative decrease in your workload and responsibilities, or reduced client access should be on your radar. Some employers are resorting to 'quiet firing'.

What are the 3 types of redundancy?

The statutory definition of “redundancy” set out in the Employment Rights Act 1996, an employee's dismissal must be “wholly or mainly attributable to”:
  • Business closure (closure of business altogether)
  • Workplace closure (one of several sites, or relocation to new site)
  • Reduction of work of a particular kind.

What's the difference between being made redundant and fired?

Redundancy is a form of termination caused by changes in the business, while dismissal is a form of termination caused by employee misconduct or poor performance. Is redundancy the same as being fired? No, redundancy is not the same as being fired.

Does redundancy look bad on a CV?

You don't need to explain redundancy on a CV. You don't need to give a reason for leaving any of your jobs, although there's nothing to stop you if you want to do that. You should, however, include the start month/year and the end month/year of each role.

What are the disadvantages of redundancy?

Drawbacks of voluntary redundancy
  • You may find you're worse off financially in the long run. Sums vary, and if you don't think it's large enough you may have to negotiate.
  • Compulsory redundancy on less favourable terms. ...
  • It takes you a long time to get a new job.