Philippa Lamb refers to Kath Lowey’s experience of mass redundancy at Marconi. With unemployment currently rising to disturbing levels, the team discusses managing redundancy and coping with the fallout.
The speakers this time are: Kath Lowey, Ben Wilmott, Professor Cary Cooper, Rebecca Clake and David MacLeod.
Ben explains the impact of redundancy on employees, the worry and the workload.
Professor Cooper explains why redundancy is proving particularly difficult in this economic downturn. Listen to Cary’s predictions for those remaining in the workplace, their management and the unhealthy, costly effects which may result. Hear how HR can act responsibly.
Ben reinforces Professor Cooper’s observations and goes on to highlight the importance of identifying building stress levels. Not catching the early-warning signs can be a costly mistake for HR.
The CIPD’s Rebecca Clake used to work in HR for Boots the chemist . Stores had been set up to try out some new up-market products. Hear how Rebecca dealt this unpleasant and difficult situation and what she learned.
Cary thinks this is the perfect opportunity for HR to shine and show the strategic value of the function – the ‘crunch’ time, he thinks.
Kath Lowey describes what happened to a high-profile facility in Liverpool. Listen to how she tackled the situation at Siemens truthfully and with Scouse humour. She also admits some wrong decisions, taken for the right reasons. Kath explains what she learned from the experience to help people through tough times.
Ben explains the importance of keeping the employer brand squeaky-clean all through the process.
Philippa introduces David MacLeod, who is completing a Government review on employee engagement. Philippa asks David why the Government has commissioned this now. Hear his optimistic answer.
Professor Cooper has some interesting advice for those who are now looking for new jobs. You’ll need to be brave.
Useful links
For further details on the Legislative changes on consultation effective from 6 April 2009.
Together with Acas, we have produced new guidelines on managing your workforce in a recession.
Our website has a page devoted to our resources on redundancy.
Our general employment law pages have much useful information.
Mike Emmott mentions our legal FAQs in the Employment Law at Work pages in the second part of the podcast.
There's a new CIPD podcast every month. Coming soon… Sustainable High Performance.. and more.