Have you or a partner ever been made redundant? And how did you navigate it?

My partner has been made redundant. Initially I tried to stay positive to get him focused to start accepting things and looking for other work. Meanwhile his solicitors fought his case for the redundancy package.
It was a shock to us both we just got back from holiday and found out that we're pregnant.

Life that was on a high came crashing down. (at least for me) he reassures me he's fine as he's still employed until it's settled.

He's making use of his time off, playing computer games, baking and catching up with old friends.

But in the month I've noticed his morale and self discipline go out the window.

He's gained weight, has lost some confidence and just seems very unsure.

I'm doing my best to remain positive but with everything else going on inside me, I'm worried that I may say the wrong thing.

I love him and care for him but all of this is completely new to us.

Any advice or words of comfort would really help right now.

Thank you for reading.

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Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

I've been made redundant twice.
Both times after ten years + employment.

If you have no warning that it's coming it can really shake your confidence.

On a practical level, he needs to apply for any benefits he may be entitled to.
Landlords or mortgage holders need to be paid or you run the serious risk of being evicted from your home.

Then fire up his cv.

Make a list of companies and contacts he may have in his field, and see if he can get a job lead that way first.
Then draw up a list of places to send speculative letters accompanied with his cv.
Keep a list of places sent to with companies who respond.
Nothing more annoying for an HR person than to receive countless inquiries from the same person I'd imagine.

Positive routine is the key.

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@Picklebobble2 thank you so much for this I really appreciate it. I had a hunch when they seconded him and the people above and on a similar level started leaving. I hinted that he should see what's out there in the off chance he sees something better.
He was granted an Inhouse award saying he was most likely to become ceo of the company. Had no disciplinarys nor any bad appraisals. He was apparently reassured his job was secure.

That's hurt him the most I think, he said someone external joined and seemed to be making a mark. But it's the other behaviours he mentioned that didn't sit well incorrectly spelling his name in meetings and agendas even though it would come up automatically on Outlook. Not inviting him to every meeting.
Scheduling meetings and not rearranging or cancelling if he couldn't attend and noting that he wasn't attending (he was on compassionate for a little while too due to a bereavement. Which she knew)

I'm just trying to remain strong.

Because there are so many changes going on.

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

@Mellowgirl Yep. I maintain that company loyalty only works one way.
If you're the wrong employee demographic or you're older than the more enthusiastic, know less about employment law youngsters they can hire at half your salary and pension contributions, chances are they'll try and sideline you towards the door when times are tight and they need to reduce costs.

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@Picklebobble2 dog eat dog work. And finance is the most cut throat!