Tips for getting through consultation

The consultation stage of redundancy is important.  Your employer may yet change their minds.  You may yet be able to keep your job.  Or you may say or do something that will affect your right to claim benefit if the worse does happen.

Here are my top tips for surviving this key period: -

1. Have someone with you.  You have the right so take advantage.   This is probably the toughest time of your life.  It is no wonder that you cannot think straight.  And no matter how hard you prepare, you need someone else sat next to you to help prompt you ask the right question.
2. Put everything in writing.  This is just good common sense.  If it comes to a tribunal, you need all the evidence you can muster.   I happen to like my boss.  But when he is talking to me about my redundancy options, I make sure he knows that I am taking notes.  
3. Time and date your notes.  Consultation has to begin in a certain time frame (link to "Consultation your rights".  If the employer's timing is inappropriate, your notes may earn you up to 90 days pay from an Employment Tribunal.
4. You will have had developed a good working relationship with a number of people in your workplace.  If they still have jobs, they will be embarrassed to talk to you and may find it easier to ignore you.  Don't take this personally.  Be as factual as you can with them.  Make jokes about it (if you can).   By acting with dignity when you least feel like it, you will earn a whole new level of respect and you will find a whole new source of support.
5. You may not know whether you are going to be redundant or not - but update your CV.  It will prove to you what a fantastic person you really are.  Its a wonderful morale booster.
6. Take time off.  Don't run away but booking the odd day off will not cost anything.  And do whatever takes your fancy.   This is your time.  (I took the dog for a lot of walks so I could scream where no-one else could hear).
7. Money.  Yes its an obvious one.  But I know someone who didn't want to accept he could loose his job.  He was convinced he could find another one quickly.  He didn't.  He lost his house.  Be practical.  Work out what you've got now.  I'll offer some tips on how.
8. Can you live without working?  You may be able to cope.  One of my colleagues had paid off their mortgage and when they lost their job, went into retirement at 51.  He was a very angry man for about a year complaining about missing the gym and his sports car.  He then suddenly seemed to relax and started looking after his grandchildren, offering his children the chance to go out to work full time instead.  It wouldn't work for me - but it did him.  Consider all the options. 
9. You are not finished yet.  There is still a chance left.  Work for it.  Go into work early.  Finish later.  Make your employers know what a loss you will be.
10. Finally.  Do NOT loose your temper.  You need a good reference.