COVID-19 live Q&A: Following a fair redundancy process
10 September 2020 | 15:00 - 15:45
With many established household names already announcing their intention to make redundancies, others are likely to follow suit as the furlough scheme, which has been a lifeline to businesses throughout the coronavirus pandemic, winds down.
A dramatic and sudden loss of demand and revenue for SMEs severely affects their ability to function… Given the limited resources of SMEs, and existing obstacles in accessing capital, the period over which [they] can survive the shock is more restricted than for larger firms.
– Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
As more small and medium-sized businesses contemplate redundancies, mismanagement may potentially to lead to an increase in unfair dismissal and discrimination claims made against employers.
Right now, at Ellis Whittam, we are dealing with four times the number of redundancy-related matters compared to pre-pandemic levels, so it is clear that employers are already thinking about these necessary business decisions.
With this in mind, join us for a live Q&A exclusively for SMEs, where we will be outlining the essential components of a fair redundancy process to help employers and senior leaders manage this complex area of employment law confidently and compliantly.
Hosted by our Employment Law Director, James Tamm, this virtual session will cover:
- The importance of putting together a water-tight business case and rationale;
- How to determine whether you are in fact in a redundancy situation;
- How to devise a fair pool for selection and identify those at risk;
- If you are making 20 or more staff redundant, the need for collective consultation and the formal process of electing representatives;
- How to create and apply fair, objective and non-discriminatory selection criteria (and criteria to avoid);
- The duty to consider alternative employment for those at risk; and
- Redundancy pay or the use of settlement agreements.
There will also be an opportunity to submit your questions to James during the session for specialist advice on your specific situation. However, if you would like to submit a query in advance, you can do so via email to [email protected].
Not only is redundancy a particularly stressful time for all involved, but it is also fraught with legal risk. This practical 45-minute advice session will help you to understand what a fair redundancy process looks like and execute your plans effectively.
Register Now
Coronavirus Advice Hub
For the most up-to-date Employment Law and Health & Safety advice to support your business through the COVID-19 pandemic, visit our Coronavirus Advice Hub, which is updated daily and contains a variety of free guidance notes, letter templates, checklists, risk assessments and more.
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