Redundancy Done Right
When Downsizing Is Unavoidable, Let’s Make Sure It’s Done Right
Downsizing Is Tough — Doing It the Right Way Doesn’t Have to Be
Redundancy isn’t always about letting someone go — it’s about reviewing the roles your business truly needs. Sometimes, that might lead to job losses. But other times, it could mean redeployment, job sharing, or redesigning responsibilities to fit the business’s future.
If you’re considering redundancy, you’ve probably already made tough calls — maybe a service has ended, or rising costs mean change is unavoidable. But even when the decision feels made, the process still matters.
That’s where our Redundancy Done Right service comes in. We’ll help you explore every option, document every step, and make sure that if roles do have to go, it’s done fairly, legally, and without the risk of costly claims.
You’ll get everything you need to carry out the process yourself — from a clear roadmap to the exact letters and scripts required at each stage. And if you’d rather not go it alone, our team can support you directly through every step (see Step 3).
Redundancy: Done Fairly, Legally, and With Confidence
We work with UK small business owners who know they need to reduce their team but want to:
- Avoid costly tribunal claims
- Follow a process that’s fair and fully compliant
- Treat loyal employees with respect and dignity
Whether you’re making one role redundant or restructuring a whole department, we guide you every step of the way.
You’ll get:
- A clear plan for the entire process
- All the letters, meeting scripts, and documents you need
- Support to make sure you handle every stage properly
So you can protect your business — and do right by your people.
Real Businesses. Real Consequences.
In today’s challenging economic climate, many UK small businesses are faced with the difficult decision to downsize. However, it’s crucial to understand that redundancy isn’t just a matter of letting employees go—it’s a legal process that must be handled with care and compliance.
Failing to follow the correct procedures can lead to costly employment tribunals, damage to your business’s reputation, and significant financial penalties.
The Importance of a Fair and Transparent Process
Redundancy procedures require:
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Meaningful consultation with affected employees before decisions are made.
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Objective selection criteria to determine which roles are at risk.
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Consideration of alternative employment within the organization.
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Proper documentation of each step in the process.
Skipping or mishandling any of these steps can result in legal challenges, even if the redundancy itself is justified.
Real-World Examples of Redundancy Missteps
Stoneywood Paper Mill
In 2023, Stoneywood Paper Mill in Aberdeen made approximately 300 workers redundant without adhering to the required 45-day consultation period. The Employment Tribunal awarded the affected employees a total of £1.2 million in protective awards, highlighting the severe financial repercussions of bypassing legal obligations.
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
A nurse was selected for redundancy based solely on the expiration date of her fixed-term contract, without any consultation or consideration of alternatives. The Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled the dismissal unfair, emphasizing the necessity of genuine consultation and fair selection processes.
P&O Ferries
In a widely publicized case, P&O Ferries dismissed 800 employees without prior consultation, leading to a criminal investigation by the Insolvency Service. The company’s admission of intentionally bypassing consultation requirements serves as a stark warning to employers about the legal and reputational risks of such actions.
Protect Your Business with Expert Guidance
These cases underscore the critical importance of adhering to proper redundancy procedures. At 7central Argan HR, we specialise in guiding small businesses through the complexities of redundancy, ensuring compliance with current employment laws and safeguarding against potential claims.
Our Redundancy Done Right service provides:
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A clear, step-by-step roadmap tailored to your business.
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All necessary documentation, including consultation letters and meeting scripts.
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Expert support throughout the process to handle any challenges that arise.
Don’t leave your business vulnerable to costly mistakes. Let us help you navigate redundancy with confidence and integrity.
What to Expect From Redundancy Done Right
We’ve taken the complexity out of redundancy and turned it into a simple, three-step process:
Step 1: Book Your Free Introduction Call
This first call is completely free and takes around 15 minutes over the phone or on Teams.
You tell us:
- What’s going on in the business
- How many people are potentially affected
- What changes you think need to be made
We’ll talk you through the redundancy process, explain your options, and make sure you’re clear on what to expect before moving forward.
No pressure, no hard sell — just a helpful chat to see where you stand and whether we can help.
Step 2: Your Redundancy Roadmap (Fixed Fee)
If you decide to go ahead, we’ll create a full step-by-step plan tailored to your situation.
You’ll get:
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A personalised process map based on the number of employees involved
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Legally compliant letters, scripts, checklists, and documentation
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Guidance on consultation, selection, alternatives, and notice periods
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Advice on how to communicate the process clearly and fairly
Our fixed fee is based on the size of your business:
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1–5 employees: £499
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6–10 employees: £799
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11–15 employees: £999
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Larger or more complex scenarios: custom quote
Step 3: Hands-On Support (Optional)
If you want support beyond the documents, we’re here for you.
We can:
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Attend or prepare you for key meetings (remotely)
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Review selection criteria and evidence
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Support you with calculations, notice, and appeals
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Handle tricky questions from staff
You can use us on an ad-hoc basis (hourly rate) or choose a support package if you’d prefer guaranteed help throughout.
Get It Done Right, From the Start
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s talk about your situation and see if we can help.
Book your free call today — no pressure, just straightforward advice.
01706 489432
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to follow a formal process if I’m only letting one person go?
Yes — even if only one role is at risk, UK employment law still requires a fair and transparent process. Skipping steps or failing to consult can lead to a claim for unfair dismissal.
What if I’ve already made the decision to let someone go?
If a decision is already made before consultation, it may be considered a sham — and that’s a fast track to a tribunal claim. We’ll help you pause, reset, and approach it the right way from here.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the number of employees and the complexity of the situation, but typically it takes around 2–4 weeks from start to finish. We’ll give you a clear timeline at the start.
What if someone challenges the redundancy after it's done?
That’s why we document everything. You’ll have written evidence of each step, from consultation letters to outcome notices — making it much easier to defend your business if needed.
Does this service include help with redundancy pay calculations?
Yes — we’ll guide you through statutory redundancy pay, notice periods, and any enhanced terms you may want to offer. We make sure it’s all accurate and fair.
Can you help me run the meetings?
Absolutely. We can either join you remotely, or prep you with full scripts and walkthroughs for each meeting. You’ll feel confident and know exactly what to say (and what not to).
What if I don’t have any HR documents or contracts in place yet?
No problem — many small businesses don’t. We’ll help you handle the redundancy properly now, and if you want, we can support you afterwards to get your HR setup in order.
What happens after the redundancy is complete?
That’s up to you. Some clients use our ad-hoc support for help with what comes next (e.g. reshuffling roles, updating documents). Others move onto a retainer so they’ve got ongoing advice and backup when needed.
Details
Tel: 01706 489432
Email: hello@arganhrconsultancy.co.uk
7central Argan HR is a Trading Name of 7central Ltd.
Registered in England
Company Number: 11717969
Registered Office: CORNER HOUSE, 28 HUDDERSFIELD ROAD, ROCHDALE, LANCASHIRE, OL16 3QF
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