The South West TUC's guide to dealing with redundancy is out on Monday. Now there's a cheery thought

By PRSD, on Friday, September 25, 2009

The South West TUC is publishing a guide to help trade unionists through the redundancy process on Monday, September 28.

The 46-page booklet, available free from the South West TUC, provides information and guidance to officers and reps about the resources available to them should they lose their jobs.

The one-stop guide includes information about how to make the most of organisations such as JobCentre Plus, Business Link and Citizens’ Advice Bureaux, as well as giving advice about learning new skills, setting up your own business and taking early retirement.

Nigel Costley, Regional Secretary of the South West TUC, said: “Although there are signs the economy is coming out of recession, it will take a time for businesses to recover and all the while people are being made redundant.

“As trade unionists our first priority is to save jobs. When that’s not possible, we work to reduce the impact on individuals by pressing for time and support for people to find alternative employment and by winning compensation above the minimum required by law.”

The guide also covers a range of other issues such as apprenticeships, dealing with the media and keeping in touch with former colleagues.

Helen Cole, regional manager of unionlearn, said: “When people are faced with redundancy they need good advice and guidance on a range of subjects – this brilliant guide provides exactly that advice all in one place.”

* The guide is being sent to all trade union officers in the South West, with further copies available from the TUC office and to download as a PDF