Redundancy: Complex Changes with HR Expert Support

When businesses face the challenge of collective redundancy, the path forward can often seem daunting. Balancing legal compliance with effective communication and empathy for affected employees is no easy task—especially for organisations that may lack the necessary resources or experience in such matters. Fortunately, our HR consultancy specialises in guiding organisations through these complex processes, stepping in as a supportive and reliable partner to ensure a fair, efficient, and legally compliant consultation.

Understanding Collective Redundancy

Collective redundancy occurs when an employer proposes to dismiss 20 or more employees within a 90-day period at a single establishment, often due to business restructuring, closures, or economic pressures. The legal requirements surrounding collective redundancy are strict, designed to protect employees and ensure they are given adequate representation and opportunities for consultation.

Key legal obligations include:

• Notifying the Secretary of State via an HR1 form when considering 20 or more redundancies.
• Engaging in meaningful consultation with employee representatives or trade unions.
• Providing collective consultation for a minimum period (30 days for 20-99 redundancies, 45 days for 100 or more redundancies) before any dismissals can take effect.
• Offering clear and transparent communication, ensuring affected employees understand their rights and options throughout the process.

For many organisations, meeting these requirements while managing day-to-day operations can feel overwhelming. This is where expert HR support can make all the difference.

How Our Consultancy Supports Collective Redundancy

Recently, we had the privilege of assisting a company navigating the closure of its operations at a single location, impacting 97 employees. With headquarters over 100 miles away and limited experience in managing a collective redundancy consultation, the organisation turned to us for hands-on support.

Here’s how we helped every step of the way:

1. Acting as Their Local HR Partner

We stepped into the role of Head of HR, providing a local, on-the-ground presence that ensured employees had immediate access to essential support. Our team became the bridge between employees, management, and the leadership team, maintaining clear communication and ensuring every detail was managed effectively.

2. Supporting Employee Representatives

We organised and facilitated meetings with employee representatives, guiding discussions to ensure they were constructive and compliant with legal requirements. Detailed notes were provided after every meeting, creating a thorough record of each discussion.

3. Keeping Employees Informed

Understanding that uncertainty can be difficult for employees, we created weekly FAQs to address common questions and provide clarity to those affected. Keeping the flow of information steady and reliable helped employees feel informed and reassured.

4. Managing Communications and Documentation

From issuing “at risk of redundancy” letters to arranging 1-to-1 consultation invites and follow-up letters, we handled all the necessary documentation with precision. Employees received clear and timely communication, and the organisation had the peace of mind of knowing that the process was both professional and compliant.

5. Calculating Redundancy Payments

We took care of calculating redundancy entitlements for all affected employees, delivering a full breakdown that outlined exactly what they would receive. This transparent approach alleviated employee concerns and ensured expectations were managed correctly.

6. Leading Consultation Meetings

We conducted 1-to-1 consultation meetings with affected employees, providing personalised feedback and acting as a supportive and empathetic point of contact. Regular updates were shared with the Head of HR to ensure they remained well-informed throughout the process.

7. Liaising with Leadership

Throughout the consultation, we maintained regular communication with the leadership team, ensuring alignment on decisions and providing expert advice to help them stay confident in their approach.

The Value of Professional HR Support

Collective redundancy consultations are never just about compliance—they’re about people. Employees deserve clear communication, respect, and fairness, while organisations need to feel supported and fully informed to make the best decisions for their business.

For organisations facing similar challenges, partnering with an experienced HR consultancy can transform a potentially overwhelming process into one that is manageable and collaborative. By taking care of the legal, logistical, and interpersonal complexities, we enable businesses to focus on what matters most—building a brighter future for their company and their people.

We’re Here to Support You

If your organisation is preparing for a collective redundancy consultation, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way, providing expertise, reassurance, and practical support to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help. Together, we can ensure your organisation navigates this challenging time with confidence and care.