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Finding work and claiming benefits after redundancy

28 Jul 2023

Being made redundant or facing redundancy can be a challenging and stressful experience, especially if it happens unexpectedly. 

You may be experiencing feelings of anxiety and uncertainty about the future. 

Whether your former company has had to remove an entire department, or you’ve lost your job due to selective redundancy, you may experience a drop in confidence and start doubting your abilities. 

However, it is critical that you don’t take being made redundant personally. Losing your job through redundancy doesn't mean you’re bad at your job, so it is important to keep this in mind. Employers have to go through a huge range of checkpoints and criteria before they come to this decision.

Understanding your rights 

It is also important to understand your rights if you’ve been made redundant. 

According to gov.uk, if you’ve been working for your current employer for two years or more, you’re entitled to statutory redundancy pay. This includes: 

• half a week’s pay for each full year of service under the age of 22
• one week’s pay for each full year of service aged 22 to 40 years old 
• one and half week’s pay for each full year of service aged 41 or older

You may also be entitled to other benefits, such as any holiday you are owed or have accrued in the last 12 months. 

Your employer should provide you with information on what you are entitled to and how to claim it.

Finding work after being made redundant 

From utilising your LinkedIn network, to being referred to the Restart Scheme, there are several programmes and opportunities available to help you find your next role. These include:

Jobcentre Plus

This government-run service can help you find work and claim benefits. You can search for jobs online and attend job fairs and events, and you may be able to get help with things like writing your CV and preparing for interviews. Find out how to contact Jobcentre Plus here. 

Networking

Letting your friends, family and colleagues know that you are looking for work can also be a great way to find new opportunities. Signing up to LinkedIn, (a business and employment-focused social media platform), connecting with professionals within your desired industry, and ensuring your profile is up to date is a great way to put yourself out there.

Online job searching

If you want to find work quickly, there’s merit in applying for roles on websites such as the Government’s Find a Job Service, Indeed, or Reed. Don’t forget to update your CV with your most recent work experience and new skills you’ve acquired, so that you can stand out from the competition. 

Restart Scheme

Our Restart scheme is part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs and is commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions. Those referred to the service will receive advice and guidance from a dedicated advisor and access to local vacancies from employers.

Work and Health Programme 

Our Work and Health Programme is for people with long term health conditions and disabilities who have been unemployed for a long time. We work with healthcare professionals, employment specialists and local community organisations to help you find the right job at the right time.

Benefits you may be entitled to

It may take you some time to find your next role, but there are benefits you can claim to help make ends meet. 

Universal Credit 

Universal Credit is available for people who are unemployed or are on a low income. You can find out what you’re entitled to via the Government’s Benefits Calculator. Find out more about Universal Credit and how to apply from the Government’s website, through this helpful guide. 

Council Tax Reduction 

If you’re unemployed, claim benefits or are on a low income, you can apply for a Council Tax Reduction. Criteria is based on: 

●    Where you live
●    Individual circumstances (including, number of children, benefits, residency status)
●    Household income - this includes savings, pensions and your partner’s income
●    If your children live with you
●    If other adults live with you

Find out more about Council Tax Reduction here. 

It's also worth noting that you may be able to claim additional benefits if you have children or a partner, or if you have a disability or health condition. You can find out more about eligibility for these benefits here.

Get back into work with Ingeus 

Being made redundant can be a difficult and stressful experience, but there are steps you can take to claim benefits to help you through this difficult time whilst you’re looking for  work.

Services such as Ingeus’ Restart Scheme and Work and Health Programme are designed to help people get back into long lasting work. In 2022, our services helped more than 50,000 unemployed people find a suitable job. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey with Ingeus today!