Unions petition government to lower redundancy pay qualifying period

TUC is lobbying government to reduce the 2 year qualifying period before statutory redundancy pay kicks in to 12 months.  In a recent article in the Tribune, they argue that mass unemployment means that people have little hope of finding another job within a reasonable timeframe.

What about employers making the redundancies?  They are often not in a position to offer enhanced redundancy payments or outplacements to the staff that are leaving so a reduced qualifying period will put even more pressure on the smaller employer if this becomes a reality.

There are other ways that the government and regional development agencies are helping to ease the burden on employers and we think the Response to Redundancy scheme in the East of England is particularly helpful.

R2R provides up to £1000 per employee to cover career guidance, skills assessment, explore career options, training funding, vocational qualifications and workshops to help candidates match and market themselves to new and hidden opportunities.

The funding is available for employees who live or work in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

As with all government funding not everyone will be eligible but many will be. The key to the funding is to move quickly to help those affected by redundancy as soon as it is announced.

If you would like further details please email or speak to an accredited R2R Advisor at Recrion today on (01780) 484910.  Visit www.recrion.co.uk/free to see how the funding has helped people to start afresh.