Dealing with or facing redundancy?
Whilst it's not an issue the self-employed face, it's often a reason why people find themselves in self-employment.
Recent data from the UK suggests 1000 jobs are being lost every week.
This is a staggeringly high number, and unemployment figures are the highest they’ve been in a long time. Large numbers of roles are being made redundant, and for many - this is a period of uncertainty and anxiety.
Whilst, as a project, we’re focused on the wellbeing of the self-employed, many people find their way into self-employment because of redundancy. In our 2024, 33% of our freelancers said they didn’t choose to become self-employed, and no doubt, a significant portion of that group will have been due to redundancy.
As a result, we’re pulling together a number of resources for people who find themselves in self-employment through redundancy - or are considering freelancing as a temporary option, or maybe using this is the trigger to step into it for the first time.
Firstly, we have a very pragmatic guide for those becoming self-employed from redundancy - covering the practical steps and considerations required.
Secondly, we have a resources page which will continue to grow as we find and curate content from across the ecosystem.
Thirdly, we’ll be hosting a webinar in the new year - a sort of AMA session for those stepping into freelancing for the first time, who want to understand quickly what they need to do to get started.
We’ll continue to update our broader resources here for those who need them.
If this is you… and you’ve recently lost your job, it’s important to take a breath.
It can be massively traumatic and unsettling to lose your job without warning.
In many ways you might be experiencing something akin to grief - a sense of confusion, loss, anger, denial, and it can take time to come to terms with things.
Even though most redundancies aren’t anything to with you as a person, as a professional, it can still kick you in the confidences.
Be upset. Be angry. Be shocked.
Take some time to take care of yourself before doing anything else.
Seek support, take it slowly, have some lie-ins, go for some long walks.
Talk to people who love you and care about you.
Or even talk to people you’ve never met before, who have been through the experience before - through community spaces.
Through support and connection - you’ll be better equipped to start making plans to take the next step towards your next chapter - whether employed, self-employed or something entirely different.
Some useful quick links
Understanding your rights
Probably the best source of advice comes from ACAS, who have details on your rights, managing the process, and specifically for those who have been laid off during parental leave.
NABS - the industry charity for advertising and marketing also has fantastic guides
Financial Support
Your first concern is likely to be around your loss of income - so getting clear on your financial situation, doing a budget, or knowing where you can turn for financial assistance is helpful.
MoneyHelper have useful guides on managing your money
MoneyHelper also have details on accessing Universal Credit
StepChange have useful guides on dealing with changes in your income
UK Gov has a list of types of financial support available
NABS may be able to offer a support grant
Communities and support organisations
Club Redundo are a fantastic community with the goal of supporting people getting back into work
NABS is the advertising and media industry support charity
Mind UK have useful guides on managing your emotional wellbeing
Freelancing.Support have a long list of freelance-focused communities which are often hugely helpful