If you've been made redundant, your employer must allow you a reasonable amount of time off during your notice period to:
- look and apply for another job
- arrange and do training
This applies if you have continuously worked for your employer for 2 years or more, including the notice period.
Your employer can only refuse your request if they have reasonable grounds. These might include:
- how difficult it will be for the employee to find work
- the length of their notice period
Pay for time off to look for work or training is limited to 40% of a week's pay. This applies even if you take more time for this during your notice period.
Your employer does not have to pay more, unless your contract says they will. If it does not, your employer can choose to. Either way, they should be consistent in their approach to all employees.
Example of paid time off
Robyn has been selected for redundancy. Their normal pay is £500 for a 5-day working week.
They take 5 days off to apply for new jobs during their 12-week notice period.
Robyn is paid £200 for this time off, the equivalent of 2 days. This is 40% of a week's pay for Robyn, which is the statutory limit.
Organisations that can help
There are government organisations that can help you find work or gain new skills to get a new job after redundancy.
England
The Jobcentre Plus Rapid Response Service can help you:
- find work
- write or update your CV
- get training or new skills
Find out more about the Rapid Response Service on GOV.UK
Scotland
Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) is a Scottish government service that supports those dealing with redundancy.
You can get free, confidential advice from career experts.
Find support for redundancy on the PACE website
Wales
ReAct+ is a Welsh Government programme that provides tailored support to get people back into employment.