Facing Redundancy as a Healthcare Worker in Hertfordshire? Here’s What You Need to Know

Healthcare workers across Hertfordshire, including those in NHS Trusts, care homes, GP practices and private healthcare providers, are increasingly facing the threat of redundancy.

Restructures, funding pressures and service changes mean that nurses, clinical staff, administrators and support workers may be at risk.

If you’ve been told your role is “at risk”, it’s completely normal to feel worried or overwhelmed.

The good news is that you do have rights and you don’t have to face this process alone.

Our specialist employment team are here to guide you, step by step.

Why Redundancies Happen in the Healthcare Sector

Redundancies can happen for many reasons, including:

· Changes to NHS services or staffing structures

· Closure or merging of wards, teams or departments

· Funding pressures

· Outsourcing of services

· Restructures in GP practices and private healthcare settings

Even when the employer has a genuine reason, the process must still be fair, transparent and properly handled.

Your Key Rights During Redundancy

1. A Proper Consultation

Your employer must explain why your role is at risk and give you the chance to discuss it. This includes:

· Meetings to talk through the changes

· Clear information about what’s happening

· An opportunity to raise questions or concerns

If you work in the NHS, your Trust must also follow Agenda for Change policies.

2. Redundancy Pay

If you’ve been employed for at least 2 years, you could receive:

· Statutory Redundancy Pay

· Enhanced NHS redundancy terms (if you’re eligible)

· Notice pay and payment for any accrued and untaken holiday

We can check your redundancy payment to make sure you receive everything you are entitled to, as errors are surprisingly common.

3. Offers of Alternative Roles

Your employer should look for other suitable jobs for you within:

· Your current department

· Other teams

· Nearby NHS Trusts in Hertfordshire

If they don’t make a proper effort, the redundancy may be challengeable.

4. Fair Selection

You should not be selected for redundancy because of:

· age

· disability

· gender

· gender reassignment

· marriage and civil partnership

· pregnancy and maternity

· race

· religion or belief

· sexual orientation

· maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, ordinary parental leave, shared parental leave, parental bereavement leave, time off for dependants and carer's leave

· working time regulations

· national minimum wage

· part-time hours or fixed term contracts

· trade union membership, activities or being a representative

· raising concerns about whistleblowing

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. We can help you understand whether the decision was fair and lawful.

How Our Employment Solicitors Can Support You

We can help with:

· Understanding whether your redundancy is fair

· Checking your redundancy and notice pay

· Challenging unfair scoring or selection

· Supporting you in consultation meetings

· Negotiating settlement agreements

· Bringing claims where necessary

Many people come to us early in the process, which often leads to a better outcome.

Worried About Redundancy? Talk to Us Today

If you’re a healthcare worker and you’re facing redundancy, you don’t have to deal with this alone. You’ve spent your career caring for others, now let us care for you. We offer clear, friendly and practical advice to help you move forward with confidence.

Our Employment Law Team is here to guide you through your rights with understanding and expertise. Reach out today on 01992 422 128 and take the first step toward protecting yourself