Facing redundancy? Here is the essential checklist

Redundancy is an unfortunate reality that most of us may face at some point in our working lives. While it's never pleasant to receive notice of termination, bookmarking this page will ensure you have this crucial checklist at hand when you need it.

It can also serve as a valuable resource if you need to support a colleague or friend who's been made redundant.

Your Redundancy Checklist:

1. Speak to your trade union immediately...
   …once you’ve been notified. Employers are legally obligated to negotiate with your union in the event of redundancy. Failing to do so could constitute a breach of law. For those in permanent positions, employers must provide valid grounds for termination and demonstrate this in negotiations with the union. (Not a member yet? Apply now.)
2. Warning: Do not sign anything!
   …without consulting your union representatives. If you receive an offer, request to take it away and seek advice from your Unionen advisors before responding. Remember, you're never required to provide an immediate answer during a meeting.
3. Determine your notice period.
   This is typically outlined in your collective agreement if one exists at your workplace. Otherwise, refer to your employment contract or, ultimately, the Employment Protection Act (1982:80). If you're unsure, contact your union representatives at your workplace.
4. Check your work permit!
   If you are in Sweden with a work permit, and you want to continue working in Sweden, you can stay here to look for a new job for three months without having your permit revoked.
   These three months are counted from the day your employment is terminated, that is after your notice period. If you have less than three months left on your permit’s period of validity when your employment is terminated, you need to find a new job before the permit expires. If you do not find a new job, the Swedish Migration Agency may revoke your permit.
   Learn more more about work permits in relation to redundancies at Migrationsverkets webpage.
5. Do you have to work during your notice period?
   While you're obligated to work throughout your notice period, you and your employer can agree on 'garden leave'. This means you remain employed, receiving your usual salary and benefits, but aren't required to perform any duties. If such an arrangement is made, ensure you get it in writing. An email confirmation is sufficient, preferably sent to your personal email account.
6. Taking annual leave during your notice period?
   Yes, but only if you and your employer mutually agree. Your employer cannot force you to use your annual leave during this time without your consent.
7. Job hunting whilst still employed?
   If you've been made redundant due to lack of work, you have the right to seek new employment and attend interviews during working hours - within reason. Your primary responsibility remains fulfilling your existing duties.
8. Assert your right to priority re-employment.
   You're entitled to this if you've worked continuously for the same employer for more than 12 months before being made redundant due to lack of work.
   However, you must claim this right yourself, preferably in writing (e.g., via email), no later than your last working day. If you've done so, you should have priority if the company begins recruiting again within nine months of your redundancy, provided the vacant position matches your skills.
   - Note 1: this rule does normally not apply when in Sweden with a temporal work permit. Call your Unionen advisors to learn more. 
   - Note 2: If you've agreed to a severance package with your employer, it's common to waive this right.
9. Register with the Job Centre immediately.
   Ideally, you'll have secured new employment before your current role ends. If not, you should register with the Job Centre on your first day of unemployment. This is necessary for claiming unemployment benefits and to prevent your Statutory Sick Pay from being affected. Any time between your last day of employment and your registration with the Job Centre will be deducted.
10. Apply for income protection insurance benefits.
    If you're a member of both the Unionen and the unemployment insurance fund, congratulations! You're covered by our income protection insurance. If you meet the conditions, you'll receive up to 80% of your previous salary for nearly seven months after your notice period ends, giving you ample time to move forward. However, you need to submit a separate application for income protection insurance.
11. First things first: Apply for a Unionen membership.
    It's safest to become a member well before redundancies are announced. As with any insurance, a certain qualifying period is required to access all services from Sweden's largest trade union. If you didn’t yet, join today.