Who to Contact When Facing Redundancy
Below is a streamlined list of essential contacts and services for employees navigating redundancy, with key details on operational scope and support mechanisms.
Section 1: Legal and Procedural Guidance
Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
Services:
- Free, confidential advice on redundancy rights, including statutory pay, consultation rules, and tribunal deadlines.
- Mediation support for disputes.
Contact:
- Telephone: 0300 123 1100
- Textphone: 18001 0300 123 1100
Section 2: Financial Redress and Insolvency Support
Redundancy Payments Service (RPS)
Services:
- Claims processing for statutory redundancy pay and unpaid wages during employer insolvency.
Contact:
- Telephone: 0330 331 0020
Citizens Advice Debt Helpline
Services:
- Crisis budgeting and debt management support.
Contact:
- Telephone: 0800 240 4420
- Relay UK: 18001 0800 240 4420
Section 3: Mental Health and Emotional Support
Samaritans
Services:
- Confidential emotional support for stress, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
Contact:
- Telephone: 116 123 (24/7)
Section 4: Sector-Specific Assistance
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA)
Services:
- Investigates labor exploitation in agriculture and related sectors
Contact:
- Via Acas helpline referral
.
Key Considerations
- Acas: Use textphone/Relay UK for hearing or speech impairments.
- RPS: Prepare P45 and redundancy notices before calling.
- Samaritans: Available 24/7; some branches offer in-person support.
Immediate Action Steps
- Documentation: Secure redundancy letters, payslips, and meeting notes.
- Priority Contacts: Start with Acas for rights clarification, then RPS if insolvency is suspected.
- Mental Health: Contact Samaritans during acute distress.
For tribunal claims, note the 3-month deadline post-dismissal. Employees in financial crisis may inquire about Universal Credit advances via Citizens Advice.