Redundancy
What it really means
When your job is cut because the employer no longer needs the role, not because of anything you did. If you have worked there long enough you may get redundancy pay. There is a legal process employers must follow; see GOV.UK.
Context, tips & common mistakes
Redundancy is about the role disappearing, not about you — which is exactly why the process has rules: fair selection criteria, genuine consultation, and consideration of alternative roles in the company. Statutory redundancy pay generally requires two years' service, but even shorter-serving staff are owed proper notice and accrued holiday, and everyone keeps the right to a fair procedure. Watch for redundancy being used as a cover for dismissing someone the employer simply wants gone — if the 'redundant' role is re-advertised shortly after, that undermines the redundancy's genuineness.
Selection that leans on visa status, pregnancy, or having raised complaints points towards discrimination or unfairness; take advice before signing anything. A settlement agreement offering extra money for waiving claims only binds you if you had independent legal advice on it — the employer normally pays for that advice, and you are allowed to negotiate. ACAS is the free first call throughout.