Citizen Advice Bureu - Monthly Comumn
Welcome to our first Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Column! We wanted to tackle recent and relevant subjects that we see in our office and where we may be able to help our community.
Navigating redundancy
Redundancy in the workplace can be a challenging reality for both employers and employees. This is something we are seeing more and more at CAB, and can affect any one of us.
The impact on employees
For you as an employee, redundancy often brings uncertainty and anxiety. The prospect of losing your job can cause a number of issues and it’s hard not to get emotional or angry. It is crucial to remember that redundancy isn’t a reflection of your skills or personal worth, easy to say, I know, but it is true.
If this happens to you, understand your rights and try to maintain open communication with your employer. This is tough but it can help clarify the situation. Lean on your friends and family for support. Seeking independent advice is a must – this is especially true if you are on a visa.
Things to remember:
- Take a support person with you to all meetings with your employer. This can be a work colleague, a friend, a professional or a person from your local CAB!
- Make sure all discussions are followed up with emails/letters confirming what has been discussed.
The transitional period can be tough, so be prepared for some bad days – don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend or a doctor if you’re feeling low.
The impact on employers
For employers, managing redundancy involves balancing business needs with empathy. Approaching the situation with care and a solid process is essential.
To navigate redundancy effectively, follow a fair and proper process. If you are unsure, get some advice from an Employment Lawyer/Advocate or if you are a member of a group like The Hospitality Association or Certified Builders reach out to them for support and advice before you even start the process.
Here’s a good place to start: employment.govt.nz/endingemployment/Redundancy
Things to remember:
- If you are unsure how to proceed, get help! This could save you money and time in the long run
- Follow fair and proper process
- Ultimately, no one wins here, but open communication is key to help ease the process for both parties. Getting good advice and trying to treat each other with respect is not easy but is essential to get through the process.
