Facing the possibility of reducing your workforce

Sadly, some companies are going to have to reduce their workforce. There could be several reasons for this – most commonly, it will be because of the straightforward impact of COVID-19 and the lockdown period on business trading.

For some businesses, however, reducing the workforce may be a strategic decision: the lockdown period may have uncovered areas of the business that are over-staffed or unproductive, or the implementation of remote working may have highlighted that fewer people will be needed to carry out the same tasks. Whilst no business – and no business owner – wants to make people redundant, it’s likely to be a very real consequence of the inability to trade properly since March.

That’s why we’re holding a special Chatinar to discuss the processes, procedures and frequently asked questions about how to reduce your workforce legally and with dignity for those who are impacted.

Held from 10.00 – 11.30am on Monday June 1st, the Chatinar is an informal opportunity for employers and HR managers to learn more about how to approach the redundancy process from both a legislative and internal communications point of view. Topics will include:

• The legal framework
• The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and how it may impact your decision making
• Timelines for redundancy
• Practicalities – including guidelines on communication
• Your questions answered

However, we know that some businesses are looking for 1-1 support right now, helping them to make key decisions and put practical elements in place.

We have complete packs to help employers and HR managers, including timelines, sample letters And FAQs, and we can tailor these to any industry and sector, giving you all the information you need to take the next steps. And we also help with outplacement – helping those employees who are facing redundancy to prepare CVs, get some interview training and give them advice about securing a new position.

If redundancy is on your list of potential scenarios either now or in the future, depending on the ongoing effect of COVID-19 on your business, contact us today. It could be that there are ways you can avoid making people redundant, and we can talk through all the issues with you to make sure you are comfortable with your decisions in the long term.