Do I need to tell a future employer about my redundancy?
Asked by: Julie Luettgen | Last update: January 9, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (27 votes)
However, if you've been made redundant in your career, you shouldn't be afraid to talk about this experience, both on your resume, and in any future job interviews. While redundancy may be a challenging experience, it is something that will happen to most people at least once in their career.
Does redundancy affect future employment?
Knowing how to bounce back after being made redundant can be a real character-defining experience. True, it's emotionally draining, but it doesn't have to affect your chances in the job market. That's why it's so important not to let yourself get defeated.
Should I tell my new employer I was made redundant?
Yes tell them. It's possible they may be pleased you can start earlier. I got made redundant last year and my new employer was just happy to have me on board.
Do you have to disclose termination to future employers?
It's a good idea to be prepared to talk about how your employment ended. You don't need to discuss all the details. Instead, have a concise explanation of why you lost your job, and make sure it aligns with what your potential employer might say about your exit.
Do I have to disclose that I was made redundant?
In summary, you do not have to keep your redundancy confidential unless you sign a settlement agreement or another document with a confidentiality clause. If a confidentiality clause is included in your settlement agreement, it will be legally binding and breaching it can have serious consequences.
How to Talk About Being Made Redundant in a Job Interview
Should I mention redundancy in an interview?
Whether you have or have not directly addressed the gap in your employment on your application. You should expect to have to talk about it in interviews. You may want to address your redundancy early on, perhaps when asked to tell the interviewer more about yourself.
Do I have to keep my redundancy secret?
Employment lawyer's answer
There is no legal obligation upon you to keep your redundancy secret, it is just something that your employer has asked you to do.
Should you tell a potential employer you were laid off?
Employers are generally understanding about layoffs. Be honest about why you left, and share that your previous company had layoffs that affected you. It's important to only frame leaving your job as a layoff if the company truly laid you off, not if they fired you, to represent your situation accurately.
Does termination show up on a background check?
The Hard Truth: Yep, It Goes on Your Record
Most companies will at least note the fact that you were terminated, even if they're light on specifics. Oftentimes, when a new employer checks your references, all they can check is your dates of employment and whether of not you're “eligible for rehire”.
Does being laid off look bad on a resume?
Tips to discuss being laid off
Give a brief answer for why the layoff occurred and address the situation in a way that doesn't reflect any bad feelings toward the organization. This helps display your professionalism to the hiring manager and may create a good impression.
Does redundancy look bad on a CV?
Indeed, many people have been through a redundancy – perhaps even your future manager – and employers are rarely sceptical of a candidate who has experienced a redundancy. You therefore shouldn't feel at all ashamed or embarrassed about your redundancy or fear your career will be unable to 'bounce back'.
Is it better to resign or be made redundant?
If you think you might be made redundant
If you've worked for your employer for over 2 years you're usually better off waiting to be made redundant, as you'll probably get a redundancy payment. If you want to stay with your employer, they might offer you a new 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.
What to do if you are being made redundant?
Contact your local Jobcentre Plus and ask for their Rapid Response Service - they specialise in helping people who have been made redundant. You can use the service during your notice period and for up to 13 weeks after you've been made redundant. Find your nearest jobcentre.
What are the disadvantages of 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.
What would my redundancy pay be?
1 and a half week's pay for each full year they were aged 41 years or older. 1 week's pay for each full year they were aged 22 or older, but aged under 41. half a week's pay for each full year they were aged under 22.
Can I say I quit if I was fired?
Hiring managers ask a number of questions during the recruitment and hiring process. Often, hiring managers want to know about your reasons for leaving a past position when screening applicants. If you were fired from that job, it's best to prepare in advance to answer as positively as possible.
Can future employers see if you filed for unemployment?
Many employers utilize work history verification checks to make sure that their candidates are honest about past employers, job titles, job responsibilities, and employment dates. While employee background checks can't show unemployment payments, they can show gaps in your work history during which you were unemployed.
How long does termination stay on record?
How long do employers keep employee records in California? Payroll records and timecards should be retained for a minimum of three years after termination.
Should you tell future employer you were fired?
It is natural to be concerned about the perception other employers will have when they hear the news that you were fired from a previous role. But, believe it or not, prospective employers don't look as negatively on candidates who have been fired from jobs as they do on candidates who have voluntarily quit jobs.
What should you never say during a layoff?
Don't say “This is something every manager hates to do” or refer to how hard this is for you. This time isn't about you, it is about them. Both you and the HR person should join the call five minutes early. Neither you nor the HR person should be waiting for someone to show and make fake small talk with the employee.
What should you not tell your employer?
Your Living Situation
No one at work needs to know about your living situation, whether you're at home with your parents or struggling to make your mortgage payment. This is another aspect of your life that could cause others to judge you or create or a problem for you where your boss is concerned.
Does it look bad to be made redundant?
Employers also know better than anyone that this decision is never an easy one to make. They are rarely sceptical of a candidate who has experienced redundancy. You shouldn't feel at all ashamed or embarrassed about being made redundant or worry over how it might impact your future career.
What counts as genuine redundancy?
What's a genuine redundancy? A genuine redundancy is when: the person's job doesn't need to be done by anyone. the employer followed any consultation requirements in the award, enterprise agreement or other registered agreement.
What to say when being made redundant?
State the reason why the redundancy occurred, share your successes in the role before your redundancy, then make a more positive comment on the opportunity it created for you and how you believe you could add value in this particular role.