Workers in Wales are at risk of redundancy and being furloughed because of the coronavirus. Here is our information and advice for workers affected by redundancy.
Two workers in discussion
Workers in Wales are at risk of redundancy

Wales TUC is committed to providing clear advice and guidance to workers, reps and union officials during this crisis. Getting information and support to those who need it most is more challenging at the moment, but never more important.

Employer schemes such as the Job Retention Scheme and the introduction of furlough may prevent the worst of the job losses in the short-term across Wales. But redundancies are still happening. And there may well be worse to come as the crisis develops and impacts on our economy.

This page provides you with information to help you advise members of their rights and entitlements if they are facing redundancy. It gives an overview of the programmes and relevant agencies that can help.

Much of the support available in Wales has been adapted so it is accessible during the crisis and the vast majority of support is still available to workers at this time. If you require any further information or want us to help you liaise with the relevant support agencies on your behalf then contact us on wtuc@tuc.org.uk or 029 2034 7010. 

Interactive guides for reps supporting members with redundancy

Redundancy basics for unions reps

When jobs are under threat, reps are there to support members. This guide will help reps answer basic questions from members, prepare for your part in negotiations and take some practical steps to help protect jobs and members’ interests. Your guide to redundancy - the basics.

Alternatives to redundancy

Redundancies should be a last resort, so employers have to discuss alternatives. This guide will help you play an active part by suggesting alternative options to your employer and how you can negotiate to get the best possible result for members. Your guide to alternatives to redundancy

Equality, fairness and rights

You play a vital role in making sure that the process of redundancy is fair and equal. This guide will tell you how to make sure that your employer’s selection and redundancy process is fair and how to challenge them if it’s not. Your guide to equality, fairness and rights

Supporting our members through redundancy

If redundancies are inevitable, you can help members retrain and find new work. This guide will help you with the options available to members and practical ways for you and employers to support members. Your guide to supporting our members through redundancy

Watch a replay of our webinar on supporting members affected by redundancy:

Redundancy rights and the job retention scheme

TUC blog: The coronavirus job scheme gives bosses a range of options

TUC blog: Persuading bosses to avoid redundancies

Coronavirus: the wage subsidy - TUC webinar

Coronavirus: advice for employers and employees - ACAS web pages

Check if you could be covered by the coronavirus job retention scheme - UK government advice

 

Support for workers in Wales at risk of redundancy

Working Wales has expert advisers ready to offer free support and advice to anyone affected by redundancy.

They can be contacted via:

Careers Wales has produced a video which explains the redundancy support available:

They are also still able to offer one-to-ones and careers advice. Help is available via phone, email and web chat during this time. Contact:

Coronavirus: support to get in to work - information page on the Welsh Government's website

The Money Advice Service has put together advice pages on coronavirus and your money and coronavirus - what it means and what you're entitled to.

 

ReAct

Workers affected by redundancy could be entitled to ReAct funding to retrain and update their skills. There is a training grant of up to £1,500 to get new skills, retrain or change career. Eligibility criteria applies to access the funding.

Read more information about ReAct funding or email reactenquiries@wales.gov

Union support

Advice and support on redundancy is available through your union. You can contact your rep or full time officer.

The Wales TUC can help with information and advice on training and support available to those affected by redundancy. 

The Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) is funded by Welsh Government and delivered through projects led by different unions. The projects help workers in a wide range of sectors and workplaces to upskill and access relevant learning opportunities. The projects are adapting their programmes to focus on providing accessible and supportive learning opportunities during the coronavirus outbreak (more details to follow soon).

Support from Wales TUC

For further information about WULF and union-led learning during the coronavirus outbreak, contact your nearest Union Learning and Support Officer:

North Wales: Gareth Hathway ghathway@tuc.org.uk

South East Wales: Deri Bevan dbevan@tuc.org.uk; Kevin Williams kwilliams@tuc.org.uk

South West Wales: Linsey Imms limms@tuc.org.uk

Mid Wales: Mark Rees mrees@tuc.org.uk