Jobs & Business

Being made redundant: you're owed paid time off to find work

Q: What the law gives?

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996 (section 52), an employee given notice of dismissal for redundancy is entitled to reasonable time off during working hours before the notice ends — to look for new work or to arrange training for future employment. The right applies with at least two years' continuous service.

Q: Is it paid?

Yes — under section 53 this time is paid, though the total amount of that pay is capped by statute. If the employer unreasonably refuses the time off or the pay, you can claim the amount owed (up to the cap) at an employment tribunal.The point is simple: you should look for a new job in good time, not wait for your last day — and the law gives you paid hours to do it.

If you've been given notice of redundancy, during your notice period you're entitled to paid time off to look for new work or arrange training.

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A typewriter with a «JOB APPLICATION» sheet — Being made redundant comes with paid time off to find new work. Photo: ONLYWAY NEWS

Redundancy is not only about the payout. While your notice runs, you have another right.

What the law gives

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996 (section 52), an employee given notice of dismissal for redundancy is entitled to reasonable time off during working hours before the notice ends — to look for new work or to arrange training for future employment. The right applies with at least two years' continuous service.

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Is it paid

Yes — under section 53 this time is paid, though the total amount of that pay is capped by statute. If the employer unreasonably refuses the time off or the pay, you can claim the amount owed (up to the cap) at an employment tribunal.

The point is simple: you should look for a new job in good time, not wait for your last day — and the law gives you paid hours to do it.

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Published 25 October 2026, 15:27 1 min read Editorial desk of the British newspaper ONLYWAY NEWS - LONDON - UK

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