Latest figures from the ONS show redundancy rates increasing across the country after a slump last summer. Many experts predicted a shift in the job market would kick off 2025 because of the increased employer’s National Insurance due to come into force in April.
However, former employees don’t have to struggle alone as they return to the job market. There’s a range of assistance from the Department for Work and Pensions and its collaborators to help bridge the gap between jobs in a variety of ways.
Each support option has different eligibility requirements and provisions to help you in your job search so it’s best to check Gov.uk for details. Starting with the benefits.
This includes Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit and Pension Credit which can provide some funds to help you cover bills during your time of unemployment. You may also be able to get help from Jobcentre Plus Rapid Response Service specifically for redundancies.
The Jobcentre can help provide training, work trials, disability assistance and more for people who think they’re going to be made redundant, are busy serving their notice period or up to 13 weeks after they’ve been made redundant.
People who have been made redundant in Scotland could get help through the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE). Or the Redundancy Action Scheme (ReAct) if you live in Wales.
If you’re made redundant you may be able to claim an income tax refund too. You can check this online but usually people must have had their final pay, not be receiving a pension from their employer or taxable benefits from the state and must not have started a new job yet.
Jobseekers with disabilities may be eligible for the Access to Work scheme which can help with a range of accessibility issues when you’re employed but also foot the bill for some support while you’re looking for work. Such as communication support during job interviews.
The Work and Health programme provides certain people with personalised support to help them get back into work by identifying skills, matching available jobs, training or help to manage health issues to lessen their impact on your work. This is available to a wide range of people, from domestic violence victims to former armed forces members and carers.
If you’re already receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible to get a budgeting loan to fill any holes your redundancy has left in your wallet. Or you may be able to access the Help to Save scheme which rewards long-term savings through generous Government bonus up to 50%.
Agencies like Citizen’s Advice and MoneyHelper can highlight what you may be eligible for and guide you through application processes. While organisations like Mind and Mental Health UK also provide support for the emotional impact of redundancies.