“Response to Redundancy gives people the opportunity to take a step back, learn new skills and have a think about what direction to take their careers,” explains Dale Morgan, Managing Director of TCHC. “The programme offers advice and guidance to think about new beginnings. This could be a new job, a new career path or even running your own business.”

Redundancy can be hard to deal with and is a very distressing time, creating huge upheaval in peoples’ lives. TCHC has come up with some top tips to mitigate the downside and maximise the upside of losing your job.

TCHC’s Top Tips for Coping with Redundancy

(1) Don’t panic

Try to stay calm and make a list of all the things you need to arrange in the months ahead. These might include: legal and financial arrangements, access to a computer/email, networking meetings, outplacement support.

(2) Plan your finances

Work out your financial situation so you have a good understanding of your finances and cash flow. Visit your local job centre as soon as you can to make sure you get all the benefits you are entitled to as quickly as possible, while you job hunt. If you are thinking about starting your own business don’t commit any money until you have sought professional advice, TCHC can help. Likewise, visit your local Citizen Advice Bureau if you require extra advice such as legal or technical information.

(3) Get support and brush up on training

There is lots of practical and emotional support available. Contact organisations such as TCHC who act as a broker in the East of England for sourcing FREE, flexible training to boost the skills of the newly redundant so you can move quickly back to work. TCHC offers everyone who trains through its Response to Redundancy programme an individually-tailored package of careers advice; help with searching for a job and guidance on job applications.

(4) Do your research

Don’t rush into applying for every job that you come across. Use this time to take stock of what you have to offer, what you want to do, and then spend time researching what employers are actually looking for. Talking to people in your target industry for advice and information is also useful.

(5) Get networking

Only a very small percentage of jobs are advertised. The vast majority are found through word of mouth and personal connections. In addition to friends and colleagues try internet networking sites. Get out there and get networking to make contacts and increase your chances of finding a job.

(6) Register yourself

Make sure you have registered yourself and sent an updated CV to all the obvious places, including recruitment agencies, and the Job Centre. Don’t forget that TCHC also offers a matching service for people in the East of England. We are in contact many employers in the East Region who have specific job opportunities, we are able to introduce prospective employees to these companies. Even if a person doesn’t have the exact skills to fit a job description TCHC can help you to address this.

(7) Be positive

This is a great opportunity to move your career forward. Although it can be traumatic and devastating at the time, many people find that in the long run being made redundant can provide the catalyst they need to take their career in the direction they actually want it to go, many even look at starting their own business.

If you or someone you know would benefit from redundancy support and live or work in the East of England, please contact TCHC on 01923 698 430, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or alternatively visit www.tchc.net to find out what funded training programmes are available. *

A European Social Fund project co-financed by the East of England Development Agency and the Learning and Skills Council.

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Editor’s Notes:

Response to Redundancy

Response to Redundancy is a fully grant funded programme which offers advice, guidance and retaining opportunities to help people find rewarding new work following redundancy or if they have been out of work for up to six months. The £6 million Response to Redundancy package is a European Social Fund project co-financed by the East of England Development Agency and the Learning and Skills Council.

About TCHC (www.tchc.net)

The Consultancy Home Counties (TCHC) is a specialist company in business and workforce development solutions operating throughout the East of England, offering expert advice across all industry sectors. TCHC has contracts with the Learning and Skills Council, East of England Development Agency, European Social Fund and others to engage with employers and employees to discuss government-funded training and support opportunities.

For further information, please contact:

Justine Smith

PR Manager, Black Pig

T: 01763 222 333

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.