What to do first

Redundancy checklist 

When your employment ends, you should receive your full entitlement to wages, including payment for any notice period you have not worked.

You should also receive:

• Any outstanding holiday pay
• Details of your pension arrangements
• Your P45
• An agreed reference from your employer (where applicable)
• Redundancy pay, if you qualify through continuous service
• A letter confirming your date of redundancy

Understand your rights

It's important to understand your rights and entitlement if you're facing redundancy.

Useful sources of advice include:

• MoneyHelper guidance on redundancy
• Redundancy rights and statutory redundancy pay on GOV.UK
• ACAS, which provides information and advice on redundancy rights and employment law. You can also contact ACAS on 0300 123 1100.

Financial support and benefits

Check what benefits you may be entitled to

You may be eligible for financial support while looking for work, including Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other benefits.

To find out what support may be available:

• Visit your local Jobcentre
• Read GOV.UK guidance on help after redundancy
• Use one of the government's benefits calculators

Jobcentre Plus has also produced local information booklets and frequently asked questions outlining available benefits and support. These are available through the Inclusion Cornwall library.

Help with Universal Credit

Citizens Advice Help to Claim is a free, independent, confidential and impartial service that supports people in the early stages of making a Universal Credit claim.

Advisers can help you:

• Understand the application process
• Gather evidence for your claim
• Complete your application
• Prepare for work coach appointments

Call 0800 144 8 444 or visit the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service.

Tax Credits

If you receive Working Tax Credit, it is important to tell HMRC about any changes to your employment circumstances as soon as possible, as this may affect the amount you receive.

Visit Manage your Tax Credits or call 0345 300 3900.

Managing your finances

A reduction in income can be one of the most challenging aspects of redundancy.

If you are worried about money, budgeting or debt, support is available.

Money advice

MoneyHelper offers practical, easy-to-read guidance for anyone facing redundancy or who has already been made redundant.

Debt advice

If you are struggling financially, you can access free advice and support through the government's debt advice services.

These services can help you understand your options, create a budget and manage debts during periods of reduced income.

Redundancy payments

You may be entitled to statutory redundancy pay depending on your age and how long you have worked for your employer.

Find information about:

• Statutory redundancy pay
• Your rights if your employer goes into liquidation
• Other redundancy-related entitlements

on the GOV.UK redundancy rights page.

Lump sum payments

You may receive a lump sum payment when your employment ends. This could include:

• A redundancy payment
• Payment in lieu of notice

These payments may affect your entitlement to benefits, and the Department for Work and Pensions may ask how the money has been used if you make a claim.

You may wish to seek advice from an independent advice service if you are unsure how redundancy payments could affect your circumstances.

Up to £30,000 of redundancy pay is tax free.