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The emotional cost of redundancy
By Emma Lunn
If you lose your job, the most pressing concerns on your mind are likely to be about your financial security and finding more work. However, as well as the financial aspect of unemployment, many people struggle psychologically and may become depressed and anxious.
Early in March, the government unveiled a new scheme to offer people who lose their jobs in the recession specialist counselling.
The scheme, announced by health secretary Alan Johnson and work and pensions secretary James Purnell, will refer people struggling to cope with redundancy to psychotherapists using an advice network in Jobcentres, doctors' surgeries and NHS Direct.
Johnson said: “If someone is feeling down after losing their job, then the best solution is a new job and we're helping people to find them wherever possible. But in some cases, depression and anxiety can be a barrier to getting another job.
"No one should be left in any doubt about where to turn. That's why I am going further and faster to make sure that services are in place to support people affected psychologically by the recession.”
How to cope with the emotion impact of redundancy
* Don't take redundancy personally. The current economic situation means thousands of companies are reducing their headcount in order to stay afloat - redundancy is rarely a reflection of your abilities.
* It's best to stay positive and start job-hunting straight away. Update your CV and register on job websites and with recruitment agencies as well as speaking to contacts about potential opportunities.
* Keep busy; as well as applying for jobs, make time for getting out of the house. You may be watching what you spend, but there are plenty of things you can do for free – a walk in the park in spring with friends or trip to the local art gallery will lift your mood and help you focus on the positive aspects of your life.
* Look ahead to the future, rather than dwelling on the past. Think about what you want to do next; for example, you may decide to use redundancy as an opportunity to change careers, start your own business or simply update your skills.
* Some people are taking advantage of their redundancy pay-offs to take time out; Gap Year For Grownups, a travel website, has reported a 20% increase in traffic as more people decide to put their CVs to one side and see a bit of the world instead.
* But don't use redundancy as a reason to run away from your life – taking time out to travel is most suitable for people without family or financial ties. Plus, the chances are you will return to the UK as some point and so travelling shouldn't be seen as a means to delay the inevitable.
* Don't be afraid to talk about it. With so many people losing their jobs at the moment there's less stigma to redundancy than there used to be and you'll find your friends and family to be a great source of support.
Further help:
The Samaritans (08457 90 90 90) provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Mind (0845 5766 0163) is a mental health charity working to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress.
The National Debtline (0800 808 400) provides free confidential and independent advice to people with debt problems.
Useful links:
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