Redundancy in Local Government: A Practical Guide to Recovery, Reflection, and Rebuilding Your Career
- truthaboutlocalgov
- Jun 14
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 16
Redundancy is a word that can send a chill down anyone’s spine. For those working in local government—where roles are often tied to community service, stability, and long-term commitment—the impact can be particularly profound. Whether it’s due to budget cuts, restructuring, or political shifts, being made redundant can feel like a personal and professional upheaval.
But redundancy is not the end of your story. It can be the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with growth, reinvention, and renewed purpose. This guide is designed to help local government professionals in the UK navigate redundancy with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
1. Understand Your Rights and Entitlements
The first step is to understand the legal and financial implications of redundancy. Knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary stress.
Key Actions:
Read your redundancy letter thoroughly. It should include the reason for redundancy, your notice period, and details of any redundancy pay.
Check your employment contract and local authority HR policies. Some councils offer enhanced redundancy packages.
Use the GOV.UK redundancy calculator to estimate your statutory redundancy pay.
Speak to your union representative if you’re a member of UNISON, GMB, or another public sector union. They can provide advice, support, and even accompany you to meetings.
Request a written reference from your line manager or HR before your departure.
“Redundancy is not a reflection of your worth. It’s a reflection of organisational change.” Local Government Association
2. Take Time to Process the Change
Redundancy is not just a financial event—it’s an emotional one. It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions: shock, anger, sadness, anxiety, and even relief.
Self-Care Tips:
Give yourself permission to feel. Suppressing emotions can delay healing.
Talk to someone you trust. Whether it’s a friend, partner, or therapist, sharing your experience can lighten the load.
Avoid making big decisions immediately. Give yourself a few days to breathe before jumping into job applications or financial planning.
Maintain a daily routine. Structure can provide a sense of normalcy and control.
Engage in activities that bring joy. Whether it’s gardening, reading, or walking in nature, small pleasures matter.
“It’s okay to grieve the loss of a job. But don’t let it define your future.” – Dr. Julie Smith, Clinical Psychologist
3. Evaluate Your Finances
Financial uncertainty is one of the most stressful aspects of redundancy. Taking control of your finances early can help you feel more secure and empowered.
What to Do:
Create a new monthly budget. Include essential expenses and identify areas to cut back temporarily.
Apply for benefits such as Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction, or Housing Benefit if eligible.
Speak to a financial adviser—many offer free initial consultations.
Contact your mortgage provider or landlord if you anticipate difficulty making payments. Many offer forbearance or payment plans.
Explore redundancy insurance if you had a policy in place.
“Facing your finances head-on is empowering. It gives you options.” – Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert
4. Reflect on Your Career and Skills
Redundancy offers a rare opportunity to pause and reflect. What have you enjoyed most in your career? What are your strengths? What would you like to do next?
Reflection Prompts:
What tasks energised you in your previous role?
What feedback have you consistently received from colleagues or managers?
Are there sectors or roles you’ve always been curious about?
“Sometimes a door closes so that another can open. Use this time to explore what truly matters to you.” – Emma Gannon, Author of The Multi-Hyphen Method
5. Update Your CV and Online Presence
Your CV and LinkedIn profile are your personal brand. Make sure they reflect your most recent achievements and aspirations.
Tips:
Use action verbs and quantify achievements (e.g., “Led a team of 10 to deliver a £500k regeneration project”).
Tailor your CV for each role—highlight relevant experience and skills.
Update your LinkedIn headline to reflect your expertise and openness to work.
Join LinkedIn groups related to local government, public policy, or your area of interest.
Ask for endorsements and recommendations from former colleagues.
“Your CV should tell a story—not just of what you’ve done, but of what you can do.”
6. Explore Training and Upskilling
The job market is evolving rapidly. Upskilling can make you more competitive and open doors to new opportunities.
Where to Look:
FutureLearn, OpenLearn, and Coursera offer free courses in leadership, project management, digital skills, and more.
Local colleges and adult education centres often provide subsidised training.
Sector-specific training—e.g., CIPFA for finance professionals, ILM for leadership, or CIH for housing.
Digital Skills Bootcamps funded by the Department for Education.
Example:
Sarah, a former council communications officer, took a digital marketing course through Google Digital Garage. Within three months, she secured a role in a local charity’s digital team.
“Learning something new can reignite your confidence and curiosity.” – Sir Ken Robinson
7. Start Your Job Search Strategically
A scattergun approach rarely works. Be strategic, focused, and proactive.
Job Search Strategies:
Use LGJobs, Public Sector Jobs, and Civil Service Jobs for relevant roles.
Set up email alerts and save searches.
Attend virtual job fairs and webinars hosted by professional bodies.
Reach out to former colleagues—many opportunities come through word of mouth.
Consider recruitment agencies that specialise in public sector roles.
“Networking is not about asking for a job. It’s about building relationships that lead to opportunities.” – Herminia Ibarra
8. Consider Interim, Freelance or Consultancy Work
If permanent roles are limited, interim or freelance work can be a valuable bridge.
Benefits:
Keeps your skills current.
Offers flexibility and variety.
Expands your professional network.
May lead to permanent roles.
“Interim work gave me the breathing space to decide what I really wanted—and the income to support that journey.” – Former Local Authority Manager
9. Rebuild Confidence and Identity
Redundancy can shake your sense of identity, especially if your role was closely tied to your self-worth.
Ways to Rebuild:
Volunteer—it keeps you active, builds skills, and boosts confidence.
Create a portfolio of your work—reports, presentations, or projects you’re proud of.
Join professional networks like SOLACE, CIPD, or the Local Government Information Unit.
Practice positive self-talk—remind yourself of your achievements and strengths.
“You are not your job title. You are your values, your skills, and your impact.” – Adam Grant, Organisational Psychologist
10. Look After Your Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as job search strategies. Don’t neglect it.
Support Resources:
Mind – mental health support and local services.
Samaritans – 24/7 emotional support.
NHS Talking Therapies – free counselling and CBT.
Local wellbeing hubs – many councils offer community-based support.
“You are not your job. You are a whole person with value beyond your role.” – Brené Brown
11. Stay Positive and Persistent
Job searching can be a marathon, not a sprint. Stay focused, celebrate small wins, and don’t lose heart.
Final Thoughts:
Keep a job search tracker to monitor applications and follow-ups.
Celebrate progress—an interview, a new skill, a helpful conversation.
Stay connected with others—don’t isolate yourself.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins
Redundancy is a difficult experience, but it can also be a powerful turning point. With the right support, mindset, and strategy, you can emerge stronger, more focused, and ready for the next chapter in your career.
Comentarios