🎙️ Redundancy Announcement Script

[Name], thank you for making time. I need to share some difficult news with you.

As you may be aware, the business has been [briefly describe the context: going through a restructure, reviewing costs, closing this location]. Because of this, we have had to make the difficult decision to make [your role, or a number of roles] redundant.

I want to be clear: this is a decision about the role, not about you or your performance. [Only say this if it is genuinely true.]

Your role of [Job Title] has been selected because [brief honest explanation]. This is required for the process to be fair and I want to be transparent with you about the reason.

We have looked at alternatives, including [name what was actually considered: redeployment, reduced hours, voluntary redundancy]. We were unable to find a suitable alternative.

You will receive a letter today confirming everything in writing: the termination date, your notice, redundancy pay, and what happens next.

[Pause. Let them respond.]

I know this is a lot to take in. Take as much time as you need. I am here to answer your questions.

I want to bring you all together because I have something important to share and I want you to hear it from me directly.

The business has decided to [describe the change briefly]. As a result, [X] roles within our team are being made redundant. [This affects X people, or: the people affected have already been spoken to individually.]

For those whose roles are affected, [describe what happens next: the process, timeline, and support available].

For those not affected, I want to be honest with you about what this means for the team: [be clear about workload, structure, and expectations going forward].

I know this is unsettling. I will share more as soon as I can. In the meantime, please come to me directly with your questions. I would rather you ask me than wonder.

Subject: An Important Update from [Name]

Hi everyone,

I want to share an important update about changes happening in our organisation.

After careful consideration, we have made the decision to [describe the change honestly]. This decision was not taken lightly. It reflects [explain the genuine business reason].

As a result, [X] roles are being made redundant across [the organisation or specific area]. Those affected are being notified individually today.

For everyone else: [be direct about what changes and what does not].

We are committed to supporting those affected. That includes [describe what: their notice period, redundancy pay, references, and any outplacement support if applicable].

I know this is hard to hear. [Explain when and how more information will be shared.] If you have questions before then, please speak to your manager or contact HR at [email].

[Name]
[Title]

Why me and not someone else?
Selection was based on [objective criteria]. I understand that is difficult to hear. The process we followed was [brief description].

Is there anything I could have done differently?
This decision is about the role, not your performance. [Only say this if it is genuinely true.]

What happens to my work and my clients?
We will make sure there is a proper handover. [Describe the plan.]

Can I appeal?
Yes. You have the right to appeal in writing within [X working days]. Your letter today includes details on how to do that.

Will you give me a reference?
Yes. [Name] will provide a reference confirming your dates of service and job title.