Frequently asked questions

• I don’t think this is fair. Can my employer do this?
• Am I entitled to redundancy pay?
• How will I afford the rent/mortgage if I lose my job?
• How can I pay my bills whilst I am out of work?
• Can I get time off to look for a new job?
• How will I find a new job?
• I've been thinking of starting my own business but do not know how to set about it

I don’t think this is fair. Can my employer do this?

An employer must use a fair way of selecting people to make redundant. This means it should be based on some evidence, such as:

• last in, first out;
• skills and experience; or
• staff appraisal markings.

If you think you have been unfairly selected for redundancy you can appeal against that decision. For example, you may have been made redundant from your job and found that the job has simply been renamed and someone else employed in that role. For more advice on your position look at the Redundancy section of the Directgov website or contact someone from the Citizens Advice Bureau, Employment Tribunals Service or the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. To find out more about any of these agencies follow the appropriate link below.

Am I entitled to redundancy pay?

If you are an employee, aged between 18 and 65 and have worked continuously for your employer for at least 2 years then you are entitled to redundancy pay. However, you are not entitled to redundancy pay if your employer offered you suitable alternative work which you refused. Statutory redundancy pay isn't taxable. You can find out more about redundancy pay from the Directgov or from the Business Enterprise and Reglatory Reform (BERR) website, see 'External links' section below.

If you have doubts about the way your employer may have calculated your statutory redundancy pay you can call the Redundancy Payments Helpline on 0845 1450 004.

How will I afford the rent/mortgage if I lose my job?

You may be able to get help with your mortgage interest payments or be eligable for housing benefit, council tax benefit and/or local housing allowance. The amount of benefit you get depends on the level of your capital and income, together with your individual circumstances. To find out more about these benefits and how to apply visit the Housing & council tax benefit section of our website. We also have a Housing and Homeless Advice Team that specialise in giving advice to people who fear or are threatened with Homelessness. If you are worrying about this contact them now as it is never too soon and you must not wait for it to happen. For further information call 01508 533614, email housingadvice@s-norfolk.gov.uk or go to the Home and Housing section of our website.

How can I pay my bills whilst I am out of work?

If you have no income due to being out of work you may be able to apply for Job Seekers Allowance or Income Support. To find out more select the external link below called ‘Job Centre Plus’. We also have Welfare Rights and Debt Advisors who can help you budget a low income to meet your most important debts whilst you look for a new job. For further information call 01508 533617, email hrenewal@s-norfolk.gov.uk. You may also find it useful to speak to some one at the Citizens Advice Bureau. Follow their link below to find out more.

Can I get time off to look for a new job?

If you have been continuously employed for two years before your notice expires you are allowed reasonable time off to look for a new job or arrange training. Whatever the amount of time off you take, your employer only has to pay you up to two fifths of a weeks pay for it.

If you get a job at a new firm which starts before your notice period ends, you may be able to negotiate with your employer for early release. If you leave without your employer's permissiom you risk losing all or part of your redundancy pay. For more information visit the Directgov website, see 'External links' section below.

How will I find a new job?

The Job Centre can help with careers advice and may also be able to find you similar employment. Many local jobs are advertised in Wednesday's edition of the Norwich Evening News and Thursday's edition of the Eastern Daily Press. We also advertise our jobs in the Jobs & careers section of our website. You may find our 'Training & development for business' section useful. To find out more follow the relevant link in the 'External links' section below.

I've been thinking of starting my own business but do not know how to set about it

There are many organisations and schemes that can help you get started. Try our Enterprise Development Scheme or Professional Services Scheme. Business Link East has a number of initiatives for people who wish to start up a business including market information, courses and an online email training course. To find out more follow the appropriate link below. Our Commercial/industrial land & property section can help you if you need to find premises. 

External links

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas)
Acas gives information for employees on redundancy as well as advice to employers on how to prevent redundancy. offers . You can also get free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues by calling the Acas helpline on 08457 474747.

Business Link East
This site gives information for people who are considering starting up a business e.g. how to find and manage money for a business, international trade and taxes, returns and payrolls. It also offers a free e-mail crash course to help you start up and stay in business.

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
The Redundancy section of the CAB's website gives information on your redundancy rights including who should be chosen for redundancy, redundancy pay and payment should be made. It also has a link to the 'contact us' page where you can find their contact details allowing you to get free, impartial advice and information. 

Community Legal Service
Use this to find a local adviser or solicitor. The site also offers basic help and advice.

Connexions
The  Connexions Direct section of this website gives information and advice for young people (13-19 year olds) on learning, careers, work, housing and your rights.

Directgov
The Redundancy section of their website explains what redundancy is. There are links at the bottom of this page to other pages that explain how people are selected for redundancy, your rights to consultation, redundancy pay and new employment .

Department of Work & Pensions
For information on benefits for people of working age, pensioners, disabled people & carers and people with children.

Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
The Redundancy section of the DTI's website contains information on redundancy payments FAQ, employees rights and redundancy payment offices.

Eastern Daily Press (EDP)
The EDP's Job section allows you to search for jobs in Norfolk and the surrounding areas.

Employment Tribunals Service
The Employment Tribunals Service helps to resolve disputes between employers and employees over employment rights. Their website provides information about the tribunal's procedures and gives guidance on how you make or respond to a claim.

Inland Revenue
For information on tax credits.

Jobcentre Plus
This site provides a job search engine and gives advice and support for job searching and making a claim for benefit. It also has a search facility to let you find your nearest office.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC)
LSC exists to improve the skills of young people and adults. Their website includes information on their research programmes, training and consultancy work.

Next Step
Next Step are committed to providing a completely free, impartial, easily accessible, quality service to adults on anything associated with learning or work.

Norwich Evening News
The Jobs section of this website lets you search for jobs in Norfolk and the surrounding areas.

Response to Redundancy (R2R), Exemplas
R2R offres a broad range of services to people threatened with redundancy and companies facing closure, downsizing or restructuring. Its services include information and advice sessions and helping people to gain literacy and numeracy skills.

About links to other websites.