Filling the Gaps in Redundancy Support: Lessons from Leeds

Large scale redundancies are usually accompanied by a concerted response from a wide range of labour market organizations. In contrast to these high profile cases, however, there is serious concern about the range and quality of support for those losing their jobs in smaller scale redundancy situations. This article reflects on the lessons that can be learned from an initiative to develop a city-wide redundancy support service for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Leeds. The experience of clients, companies and partners involved in the project highlights some of the gaps in local redundancy support and how they might be filled.