Jobs & Business

Mass redundancy: consultation comes first

Q: When the rule applies?

If an employer proposes to make 20 or more employees redundant at one establishment within 90 days or less, it must consult the appropriate representatives — a union or elected employee representatives.

Q: What must be discussed?

How to avoid redundancies or reduce the numbers, and how to soften the impact. The employer must give information in writing: the reasons, the numbers and categories of staff, and the selection method.

If 20 or more jobs are cut, the employer must consult in advance — at least 30 or 45 days. We explain the rule, the periods and what happens if it is breached.

Thanks for £1

An office area with chairs and shelves — ONLYWAY.NEWS illustration. Photo: ONLYWAY NEWS

Mass redundancies are not the employer's decision alone. If 20 or more jobs are at risk, the law requires collective consultation first. This is set out in section 188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

When the rule applies

If an employer proposes to make 20 or more employees redundant at one establishment within 90 days or less, it must consult the appropriate representatives — a union or elected employee representatives.

ONLYWAY NEWSLIVEMoney · 26.10Commuting vs renting closer: what's really cheaper Money · 26.10Which travel pass to buy for commuting into the City Life · 26.10Where to spend an evening for two in London Money · 26.10How to save on groceries in London and which shops to avoid Life · 26.10Where to buy good meat in London for home cooking Life · 26.10Where to buy cheap fruit and vegetables in London Life · 26.10Where to spend an evening in London Jobs & Business · 26.10Mass redundancy: consultation comes first Money · 26.10Bought a fake? You can get your money back Jobs & Business · 26.10Ten Paid Days for SafetyONLYWAY NEWS · appInstall the ONLYWAY NEWS appFresh UK news, classifieds, key dates and exchange rates on your home screen, one tap away. Free.NewsClassifiedsCalendarRates

Minimum periods

at least 30 days before the first dismissal — for 20 to 99 redundancies;
at least 45 days — for 100 or more.

Consultation must start in good time and finish before the first dismissal takes effect.

What must be discussed

How to avoid redundancies or reduce the numbers, and how to soften the impact. The employer must give information in writing: the reasons, the numbers and categories of staff, and the selection method.

If the rules are broken

Employees can claim compensation (a protective award) at an employment tribunal. Individual rights — protection from unfair dismissal and redundancy pay — apply separately.

Note: the collective-redundancy rules are being updated in 2026; check the current thresholds at the time of any redundancy.

Source: section 188 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. Checked 26 October 2026.

Thanks for £1If this information was useful and came in time, press the heart. Payment goes through PayPal, with nothing to choose and nothing to fill in, and it pays for the newsroom.

Check whether an employer can sponsor a work visa →
Search the Home Office register on our own site: whether the company holds a sponsor licence, and for which routes.

Published 26 October 2026, 14:05 2 min read Editorial desk of the British newspaper ONLYWAY NEWS - LONDON - UK

Sources