Skip to main content

Does work after redundancy help include training or retraining support?

Speak To An Expert

Get clear, personalised advice for your situation.

Jot down a few questions to make the most of your conversation.


Support After Redundancy

Yes, support after redundancy can include training or retraining. In the UK, many people use the period after a job loss to build new skills and move into a different role or industry. This support can come from the government, your local council, training providers, or your former employer.

Redundancy can be a difficult time, but it may also open the door to new opportunities. Training support is often designed to help you improve your chances of getting back into work. It can also help if you want to change careers rather than return to the same type of job.

What Training Support May Be Available

One common form of support is free or low-cost training through Jobcentre Plus and other employment services. This may include help with CV writing, interview preparation, digital skills, and job search support. In some cases, you may also be able to access sector-specific courses.

If you are looking to retrain, you might qualify for funding for approved courses through government schemes or adult education programmes. These can cover areas such as health and social care, construction, IT, or business administration. Availability depends on your circumstances, location, and the type of course.

Help From Your Employer

Some employers offer redundancy packages that include outplacement support. This can involve career coaching, skills assessments, and training vouchers. Larger employers may also pay for retraining or provide access to learning platforms.

It is worth checking your redundancy agreement carefully. Your employer may be willing to offer extra support as part of the settlement, especially if you have worked there for a long time. Even if training is not guaranteed, it may still be possible to negotiate some help.

Benefits and Funding Options

If you are claiming benefits after redundancy, you may still be able to take part in training. In some cases, the training must be approved so it does not affect your entitlement. This is one reason to speak to a Jobcentre adviser before starting a course.

There may also be financial support available for travel, childcare, or course fees, depending on your situation. Adults in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may have different funding routes. It is sensible to check local options before enrolling.

Making the Most of Retraining

Retraining after redundancy can be a practical way to rebuild confidence and improve future job prospects. It helps to think about transferable skills, growing industries, and roles that match your experience. Short courses can be a good starting point if you are not ready for a full qualification.

If you have been made redundant, ask about support early. The sooner you explore training options, the more choices you are likely to have. With the right help, redundancy can become a route into a new and more secure role.

Frequently Asked Questions

Redundancy work training retraining support is help for people whose jobs have ended because of redundancy, including advice, skills assessment, training options, job search support, and retraining for a new role or sector.

Eligibility usually depends on being affected by redundancy or being at risk of redundancy, though exact rules vary by employer, government program, charity, or training provider.

You usually apply through your employer, a local job support service, a government employment program, or a training provider. In most cases you will need proof of redundancy or confirmation that your role is ending.

Support can include short vocational courses, digital skills training, qualifications, apprenticeships, interview preparation, CV writing, and job-specific retraining for a new industry.

Yes, many programs are designed to help you move into a new career by identifying transferable skills, offering career guidance, and funding or recommending training for a different occupation.

Yes, many services include job search help such as vacancy matching, application support, interview coaching, networking advice, and access to employers who are hiring.

Some forms of support are free, especially public employment services or employer-funded redundancy packages, while other training may have fees unless those costs are covered by a scheme or grant.

The length varies by program. Some support lasts a few weeks, while other retraining pathways can continue for several months or until you complete a qualification or secure new employment.

Yes, in many cases you can start support before your employment ends so you can prepare early, explore options, and begin training or job search activities while still employed.

You may need a redundancy letter, employment details, identification, proof of address, and sometimes information about your current skills, work history, and training goals.

Yes, career guidance is often part of the support. Advisors can help you review your skills, interests, and goals so you can choose a suitable training or retraining path.

Sometimes. Depending on the scheme, you may receive help with course fees, travel costs, equipment, childcare, or living expenses while you train or search for work.

Yes, many programs support workers of all ages, including older workers who want to refresh skills, update qualifications, or retrain for a less physically demanding role.

Yes, many providers offer online courses, virtual coaching, and digital learning tools so you can retrain flexibly from home or alongside other commitments.

Even if you already have qualifications, support can still help you update your skills, gain sector-specific certificates, or adapt your experience for a new job market.

Employers may offer outplacement services, training budgets, career coaching, workshops, and access to recruiters as part of a redundancy package or transition plan.

Yes, it can improve your chances by helping you identify suitable roles, strengthen your applications, improve interview performance, and build skills that are in demand.

If your preferred course is not covered, you can ask about alternative funding, scholarships, payment plans, employer contributions, or cheaper courses that lead to the same career outcome.

Some programs include wellbeing support, counselling referrals, stress management advice, or peer support to help you cope with the emotional impact of redundancy.

You can look for support through local job centres, employment services, career advisers, unions, local councils, training colleges, and redundancy support programs offered by employers or community organizations.

Important Information On Using This Service


This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek guidance from qualified professionals. If you have any medical concerns or need urgent help, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services immediately.

Some of this content was generated with AI assistance. We've done our best to keep it accurate, helpful, and human-friendly.

  • Ergsy carefully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
  • Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
  • To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
Using Subtitles and Closed Captions
  • Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
  • You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
Turn Captions On or Off
  • Go to the video you'd like to watch.
  • If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
  • To turn on Captions, click settings.
  • To turn off Captions, click settings again.