A new redundancy support services for employers has been launched by Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing.
The proposition offers practical advice and information, delivered by independent experts to help employers support employees who are being made redundant.
The launch comes amid the COVID crisis which has seen a sharp increase in unemployment, with rates rising to their highest levels since 2009.
A spokesman for Howden said the service enables employers to demonstrate a duty of care to employees being made redundant and send a message to those remaining in the business that they are committed to looking after them.
It includes a 90 minute virtual presentation focusing on the core areas of redundancy and offering practical tips. This covers financial as well as health and wellbeing issues, and advice on the redundancy process and securing future employment.
The service gives employees access to the Havensrock Thrive app to help them proactively look after their mental health. This includes a range of wellbeing tools, support from online coaches and for employees who need long-term support, access to a RedArc mental health nurses.
Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing head of workplace savings and education Rob Atkins said: “With the UK facing a winter of lockdowns and tight restrictions once again, many employers will be forced to make changes to their organisations and reduce their overheads. Unfortunately for many businesses making some staff redundant will be an inevitable consequence of the disruption and uncertainty.
‘’Our new redundancy service addresses the emotional and practical side of redundancy giving employees vital support and guidance to help them plan for the future.
“Providing employees with a live and interactive session ensures they have the ability to ask questions and discuss their concerns with independent and impartial experts as well as giving them useful support materials and resources to refer to afterwards.”