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Redundancy

Stephen SimpsonEditor's message: From 6 April 2024, important changes were made to the right to be offered a suitable alternative vacancy on redundancy in certain circumstances.

Previously, the right applied only to employees who are absent on maternity, adoption or shared parental leave during the redundancy process.

In relation to pregnancy and maternity leave, this redundancy protection period has been extended:

  • so that it applies from the point at which an employee informs their employer that they are pregnant; and
  • for a period following the end of maternity leave - with the protected period ending 18 months after the birth of the child (giving someone who returns to work after 12 months' maternity leave a further six months' protection on their return to work).

A similar extended protection period has been introduced for those returning from adoption leave and shared parental leave.

Stephen Simpson, principal HR strategy and practice editor

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