How do you respond to someone being made redundant?
Asked by: Cassandre Haag | Last update: January 23, 2026Score: 5/5 (74 votes)
A simple acknowledgment of your feelings is enough. You might say, “I just heard the news, I'm shocked and so sorry” or “How can I help right now?” You can always offer more support later. Try to respond privately and one-to-one—ideally, face-to-face or, if the employee has left the workplace, by phone.
What to say to someone who is made redundant?
That you are sorry that they are leaving. That you hope everything works out well for them and its sad that they are going. Tell them that you have fingers crossed that they find a new role soon and that they will be happy there.
How do you respond to being made redundant?
- Know your rights. If you're made redundant, it's important to know your rights. ...
- Take stock of how you're feeling. ...
- Manage your money. ...
- Coping with uncertainty. ...
- Keep busy, or take some time off. ...
- Useful resources on redundancy.
What to write in a card for someone who was made redundant?
General messages:
"It's been a pleasure working with you over the years, [colleague's name]. You've been a great colleague and friend. I'll miss having you around the office, but I know you'll do great things in your new role." "I'm so grateful for your friendship and support over the years, [colleague's name].
How to support someone going through a redundancy?
- Lending a laptop. ...
- Giving financial clarity. ...
- Providing a reference. ...
- Allowing time off for training or to search for a new job. ...
- Keeping their health insurance.
How to Talk About Being Made Redundant in a Job Interview
How to support a partner who has been made redundant?
Commiserate with your partner when they feel miserable, stand by them when their self-confidence is waning and remind them why they are excellent at what they do – at home and at work. Small gestures matter: be enthusiastic about every step towards a new role or a new decision.
What to message someone who lost their job?
- What can I do to help?
- What do you need from me?
- You are strong. I believe in you.
- Do you want to meet up?
- Would you like to talk about it?
- I understand how you must be feeling. ...
- I'm so sorry. ...
- How are you feeling?
How do you explain being made redundant?
Example Sample Answer: “I was part of a recent restructuring at my previous company, which unfortunately led to my position being made redundant. This decision was driven by [give detail as to the organisational changes or reasons which led to the change in your job situation].
Can you replace someone who has been made redundant?
Unless there were exceptional conditions, you cannot make an employee redundant and then replace them. This is grounds for unfair dismissal. By definition, you can only make an employee redundant if the role is no longer essential.
What to say in a card when someone gets laid off?
Example 1: The Supportive Goodbye
"[Coworker's Name], I was heartbroken to hear about the layoff. Please know that this doesn't diminish the amazing work you've done here. Your dedication and creativity have always inspired me. If you need a listening ear or someone to brainstorm your next steps with, I'm here.
How do I reply to a redundancy email?
What you need to be is logical, reasonable and structured.” But that's not to say your logical response to redundancy can't draw on your emotions. “You can be assertive about your emotions. It's okay to say, 'I felt betrayed', or 'the company response annoyed me'.
What are the psychological effects of redundancy?
Understanding the psychological stages of redundancy
They are: Denial: employees struggle to accept job loss, rationalise it, convincing themselves it applies to others, not them. Shock: employees grapple with humiliation, shame and betrayal, questioning the situation's fairness and impact.
How to handle a redundancy conversation?
- Introduction. Start professionally and get straight to the point. ...
- Reason for the redundancy. Explain the business reasons behind the decision. ...
- Information and support. ...
- Answer questions. ...
- Separation procedure. ...
- What happens next.
How do you react to being made redundant?
keep calm. stay positive, see redundancy as an opportunity for change. focus on moving on, rather than looking back. take stock of your situation and look at your options.
What is a famous quote about redundancy?
- If two people always agree, one of them is redundant. ...
- I think that all services will have downtime. ...
- I have been made redundant before and it is a terrible blow; redundant is a rotten word because it makes you think you are useless.
How do you say sorry about redundancy?
“We only just spoke last week, and now I hear that your role has been made redundant. I'm so sorry to hear that.
Is it better to quit or 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.
What do you say to an employee who has been made redundant?
A simple acknowledgment of your feelings is enough. You might say, “I just heard the news, I'm shocked and so sorry” or “How can I help right now?” You can always offer more support later. Try to respond privately and one-to-one—ideally, face-to-face or, if the employee has left the workplace, by phone.
What do I do after 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 5 stages of redundancy?
- 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 tell someone they have been made redundant?
It's best to do this face to face, but if this is not possible, you should talk with them on a call. You should allow them to be accompanied at the meeting. For those selected for redundancy, you should also put the details of their redundancy in writing. This can be by letter or email.
How to stay positive after redundancy?
Redundancy is a difficult situation to be in, so allow yourself a moment to grieve before you bounce back. It might be helpful to remind yourself that you're not alone. Get support from your recruiter, your mentor and your friends and family who will help you keep positive and make your next step.
What is a motivational quote for job loss?
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." -Thomas A. Edison. "The future depends on what you do today." - Mahatma Gandhi.
What is the best condolence message?
- "I'm sorry for your loss. ...
- "Please accept my deepest condolences. ...
- "I'm always thinking of you and wishing you strength during this time of loss."
- "I'm so sorry for your loss. ...
- "My thoughts are with you. ...
- "Wishing you peace and comfort during this challenging time.
How to respond to being laid off?
- Take time to process the layoff. ...
- Ask about your health insurance coverage. ...
- Find out when you're getting your final paycheck. ...
- Meet with your employer about severance pay. ...
- File for unemployment. ...
- Save your important work. ...
- Collect references. ...
- Begin your job search.