Navigating Redundancy in 2025: Finding Strength in Uncertainty
With the UK economy showing limited growth, National Insurance contributions increasing, global markets shaken by renewed trade tensions from the US, and the continued rise of AI and automation, the landscape for businesses is tougher than it has been in years. Unfortunately, many organisations are having to make difficult decisions, and that often includes reducing headcount.
Redundancy is never easy. It can feel overwhelming, destabilising and deeply personal. But while the experience can be painful, it is also an opportunity to pause, reflect and refocus.
It's Not About You
In 2025, redundancy is rarely linked to performance. Most companies are navigating external challenges that leave them with little choice but to restructure. Whether it’s the impact of automation on certain roles, cost-saving measures due to tax and NI changes, or broader commercial shifts, these decisions are commercial, not personal.
Employers understand that being made redundant is not a reflection of your ability or character. It’s a reality of the times we’re living through. And thankfully, the stigma that once surrounded redundancy has largely disappeared.
Take Time to Regroup
After being made redundant, take a few days to get your head straight. Give yourself permission to rest and take stock. It’s a shock to the system, and it’s perfectly normal to feel disoriented. But don’t let too much time pass without taking action. A simple routine, even if it’s just checking in with yourself each day, can make a big difference to your mindset.
Make a Plan
Try not to rush straight into the job search without first thinking about what you really want. This is a chance to reassess your career path. Are you looking to continue on the same track, or is this a moment to explore something new? Define your goals and think about the companies, roles and working environments that would help you thrive.
When you're ready, be structured in your approach. Set a routine for your search. Stay consistent, but also be kind to yourself. This is a process, and like any transition, it takes time.
Your CV Still Matters
Your CV is often the first thing people will see. It needs to clearly communicate what you bring to the table. Make sure it’s up to date, free of jargon and tailored to each role you apply for. Don’t be afraid to ask others for feedback. Sometimes a second pair of eyes can catch what you might have missed.
And don’t forget about your online presence. LinkedIn is often the first place recruiters and hiring managers will look. Make sure your profile reflects who you are and what you’re looking for.
Talk to People
Some of the best opportunities start with a conversation. Reach out to former colleagues, industry contacts and recruitment partners. Let them know you’re open to new roles. People are often more willing to help than you might expect. Even if it doesn’t lead to a role straight away, it can provide encouragement and perspective.
Be Interview Ready
Many interviews now start with a phone or video call. Practice talking about your experience confidently and concisely. Prepare in the same way you would for an in-person meeting. Make sure your space is set up and you feel comfortable. A good first impression is still just as important, even through a screen.
Consider Interim Work
If you’re coming out of a permanent role, the idea of taking on something interim might feel like a step sideways. But in today’s market, interim work is far from a fallback, it’s a smart, strategic move.
Short-term contracts can offer financial stability, which in itself helps ease the stress of a sudden career pause. But beyond the practical side, they also provide a way to keep your skills sharp, learn new systems and industries, and add real depth to your CV. Far from damaging your chances of finding another permanent role, it often makes you more attractive to future employers who value adaptability and hands-on experience.
I’ve worked with many senior finance professionals who initially took interim roles for stability and ended up discovering new opportunities they hadn’t considered before. Whether you're bridging a gap or looking to pivot, interim work can give you the momentum you need.
If you're curious about what’s out there or how it could fit into your career plans, let’s have a chat.
Look Forward
Redundancy feels like an ending, but it can also be a beginning. It’s a chance to step back and ask yourself what you really want from your work. You are not starting from scratch. You’re starting with experience, perspective and a fresh outlook.
At Wade Macdonald, we’ve helped hundreds of people through redundancy and into the next chapter of their careers. We understand how it feels, and we know how to help. Whether you want to talk through your options, get feedback on your CV or explore the market, we’re here for you.
You’re still talented. You’re still valuable. And this can still lead somewhere good