Large-Scale Redundancy in a Short Timeframe

The Brief

A client needed assistance with a large-scale collective redundancy consultation, following a period of challenging economic circumstances.

Following a period of challenging economic circumstances, the client contacted KaneHR (following a recommendation from another client) for immediate support due to their need to make a significant reduction to their headcount in a short time frame. With an initial estimate of a reduction of 105 roles being considered as at risk of potential redundancy, and significant stress to the client due to the potential wider impact of the macroeconomic event, the challenge was to implement a swift, yet meaningful collective redundancy consultation process within a two-month period.

The Solution

KaneHR reacted quickly and took charge of both the planning and execution of this large-scale collective redundancy. As well as ensuring compliance for the process, we supported employees and management throughout.

Due to the tight time frame, meetings to discuss the process were arranged with the internal management team within days of first contact, to provide an overview of the redundancy process and discuss the needs of the business. Aware of the significant stress the client was under, our team made themselves available during both evenings and weekends.

We worked alongside the management team to draft an announcement which aligned with both the company culture, and best practise. Our team also attended the announcement hearing, so we could introduce ourselves and provide support not only to the employees being informed of potential changes, but also to the management team, as we know how stressful the redundancy process is for all parties.

We commenced the redundancy process by drafting and sending letters to all employees potentially impacted by the announcement, before arranging for the employee representatives to be appointed. Our team then drafted tailored scripts in advance of each meeting, before leading all 121 individual meetings alongside the company representative. Each potentially affected employee had a minimum of two meetings, and a written follow up, as well as providing regular feedback to our client.

The Outcome

Following initial estimates of 105 job losses, 65 roles were placed at risk of redundancy, before 61 redundancies were confirmed at the end of the consultation process. Only one employee appealed the decision, and KaneHR was able to assist our client in sustaining the Company during a period of financial uncertainty, with the client singling out our team’s “emotional intelligence.”