When will I get my redundancy pay?

If the company you were working for is paying the redundancy, then it should be paid on the last day that you work or as soon as is possible.

If there is to be any long delay with the payment, then that needs to be discussed and agreed with the employee. If the employee feels that they have to wait too long, then they can take the employer to an Employment Tribunal.

Notice period

If your employer has selected you for redundancy you must be given a notice period before your employment ends. The statutory redundancy notice periods are:

• at least one week’s notice if you have been employed between one month and two years
• one week’s notice for each year if employed between two and 12 years
• 12  weeks’ notice if employed for 12 years or more

However, you should also check your contract of employment because your employer could have set out longer notice periods.

Can I start a new job before my notice has expired?

Yes - if you negotiate it.

If your new job starts before your redundancy notice expires, try to negotiate with your employer for early release without losing your redundancy pay. Employers are often happy to make these arrangements.

If your employer doesn't agree to let you go early you should give them 'a written counter notice' stating when you would like to finish. Your employer should write back to you and say whether or not you can leave early.

If you leave early without your employer's permission you run the risk of losing some or all of your redundancy pay. Normally this only becomes an issue if your employer has given you a longer redundancy notice period than the statutory minimum.