What if your position becomes redundant?

If your position becomes redundant, it means your current role within the organisation officially ceases to exist. This often results from reorganization, automation, or the disappearance of specific tasks. You may be declared redundant and will face important decisions. This article explains your rights, what steps to take, and how guidance such as outplacement helps you secure your future perspective.

Why can a position become redundant?

There are various reasons positions disappear. Most commonly, a reorganization is the trigger: companies adapt their structure to work more efficiently, save costs, or respond to technological change. Automation or digitalisation can also make certain tasks obsolete. Occasionally, a merger or acquisition leads to positions being merged or eliminated.

Example: In a logistics company, the warehouse process is fully automated. As a result, several warehouse roles disappear and employees are informed their positions will no longer exist.

It is important to note that in the Netherlands, letting positions become redundant is a process closely governed by employment law. Employers must provide solid justification and follow correct procedures.

What happens after your position is made redundant?

Becoming redundant has immediate consequences for the employee. In most cases, you are formally declared redundant, meaning your job no longer exists, but your employment contract does not instantly end.

The employer is obliged to investigate if there is suitable alternative work available within the organisation. This is called the redeployment obligation. If no suitable position can be found within a reasonable period, dismissal is possible.

This can be an uncertain time, especially if few comparable roles exist. Good communication with your employer and HR advisor is essential.

Rights and obligations under Dutch law

As an employee in the Netherlands, you are well protected if your position is made redundant. The Dutch Work and Security Act (WWZ) dictates that dismissal is only possible for reasonable grounds, such as business-economic circumstances. Employers must demonstrate these grounds and follow a careful procedure, often involving the UWV for assessment.

You are entitled to a transition payment if you've been employed for at least two years. You also have the right to a notice period and, if applicable, support in finding new work. Further details are available regarding transition payments and the notice period for permanent contracts.

Example: An administrative worker whose job disappears due to digitalisation receives a letter explaining the situation, redeployment efforts, and financial settlement following dismissal.

What does it mean to be declared redundant?

Being declared redundant means your position is permanently eliminated, and you are considered surplus within the organisation. This is communicated officially by your employer. Specific rules and rights then apply regarding redeployment, support, and possible dismissal procedures.

Employers must demonstrate that the decision to eliminate your position is objective and transparent, often using the principle of 'last in, first out' for selection.

For further explanation, see being declared redundant and the information about dismissal.

What immediate steps can you take?

If you are informed your position is becoming redundant, it is important to take control. Consider the following steps:

• Request written confirmation of the decision and underlying reasons.
• Ask about redeployment efforts and alternative roles within the company.
• Discuss support options, such as outplacement or career coaching.
• Obtain legal advice regarding your rights and the transition payment.
• Document all communication and decisions.

Example: A healthcare worker hears their position will disappear. They arrange a meeting with HR, discuss outplacement, and receive help updating their CV.

The role of outplacement when your position becomes redundant

Outplacement is a support programme helping employees find new work outside the current organisation. When your position is made redundant, outplacement is a valuable tool to help you transition smoothly to a new job.

An outplacement programme typically includes personal coaching, labour market orientation, application training and retraining support. Learn more on the outplacement page and in the article about how an outplacement programme works.

Example: An IT specialist whose job disappears starts an outplacement programme, explores new sectors, and, with targeted coaching, finds a suitable role in healthcare.

Psychological impact and coping with change

Losing your job can have a significant emotional effect. Many people experience uncertainty, frustration or even anxiety about the future. It is important to acknowledge these emotions and seek help if things get difficult.

Career coaching and outplacement not only offer practical guidance but also mental support. Focusing on resilience and self-confidence helps you emerge stronger from this period.

Example: After hearing about his job loss, an employee starts career coaching sessions. He discovers new qualities and opportunities, boosting his confidence for the next step.

Real-world examples: what happens after your position disappears?

Every situation is unique. Sometimes, redundancy leads to a new challenge in the same company, for example, taking up another role. Other times, outplacement helps someone find a completely new direction in another sector.

Example: An education worker became redundant, retrained, and started a new career as an HR adviser in business. Outplacement helped her rediscover job satisfaction.

These examples show the importance of being open to change and using available support.

Summary: perspective when your position is made redundant

When your position becomes redundant, you enter a period of uncertainty and transition. By understanding your rights, taking the right steps, and making use of support such as outplacement or career coaching, you increase your chances of moving successfully to a new role. Be proactive, seek information and don't hesitate to ask for help. Despite a difficult beginning, you can build a new perspective for your future.