I have been told of impending redundancies but the employer does not appear to have discussed this with staff. Is this allowed?

There is a legal duty on employers to inform and consult the workforce about proposed redundancies when there is a proposal to dismiss 20 or more employees at any one establishment within a period of 90 days or less.

In these circumstances your employer has to consult about the redundancies with all the representatives of any employees who may be affected by the proposed dismissals.

In addition employers should consult employees individually who are affected by any proposed redundancy (not just those of 20 or more).

Talk to your union, if you are a member, to see whether your employer has followed any agreed procedures.

You can also download these two free publications with further advice:

Dealing with the Downturn TUC/Citizens Advice leaflet in Adobe pdf format.

Facing Redundancy Know Your Rights leaflet from the TUC in Adobe pdf format.