No employee wants to hear the news that they face losing their job, so guiding a member — or several members — of your team through a compulsory redundancy process can be a stressful time. If managed well, your handling of the situation can make a big difference to the experience of the employee and how valued the rest of your team feel. 

If you find yourself in this position, you will need to work with your HR adviser and follow your employer’s redundancy process. This should set out the steps you need to take in a fair, legal and reasonable way. 

This guide is designed to help you support the redundancy process, drawing on the behaviours identified by CIPD research that are important in supporting team engagement and performance.

On this page

Members access only

Unlock exclusive, tailored content and resources, just for members.

Sign in to access

Not a member yet? Find out how you can become a member today!

CIPD Trust

Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.

Find out more

Bullying
and harassment

Discover our practice guidance and recommendations to tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace. 

View our resources

More on this topic

Report
Labour Market Outlook

Read our latest Labour Market Outlook report for analysis on employers’ recruitment, redundancy and pay intentions

Factsheet
Redundancy: an introduction

Learn how to use redundancy as a last resort when all alternative approaches have been considered

For Members
Guide
Redundancy: Guidance for people professionals

This guide provides an overview of the step-by-step process for employers to manage the redundancy process

For Members
Bitesize research
Pay cuts as an alternative to redundancies

When cost savings are required, what is the impact of making pay cuts instead of redundancies?

For Members

Latest guides

Guide
Fire and rehire: Guide for employers

What this practice is, why you should avoid it, and how to approach it if no other options are available

Guide
People manager guide: How to tackle sexual harassment

Practical advice for managers on tackling sexual harassment in the workplace

Guide
Sexual harassment in the workplace: Guidance for people professionals

Practical advice on how to tackle sexual harassment in the workplace

For Members
Guide
TUPE transfers: Guide for people professionals

Outlines the main legal requirements surrounding TUPE transfers, and the essential steps involved in managing them

For Members
All guides