Your employer should pay it automatically, and must give you a written statement of how it was worked out. Check that statement against the sum below.
Quick facts
- Qualify after
- 2 years' continuous service
- Age 21 and under
- Half a week's pay per year
- Age 22 to 40
- One week's pay per year
- Age 41 and over
- One and a half weeks' pay per year
- Years counted
- Up to 20
- Weekly pay cap
- £783
How to work it out
Count each full year of service at the rate for the age you were in that year. Add up the weeks, then multiply by your weekly pay, or by £783 if you earn more than that. Regular overtime, bonuses and commission count as pay.
Example: a 45-year-old on £600 a week with 15 years' service. The 4 years at 41 or over count 1.5 weeks each, making 6 weeks. The 11 years before that count 1 week each, making 11 weeks. That is 17 weeks' pay.
Because £600 is under the cap, the 17 weeks are paid at £600, not at £783. The cap only lowers pay above it; it never raises yours.
Laid off or put on short time
You can claim redundancy pay from your employer if you have been temporarily laid off for more than four weeks in a row, or six weeks in a 13-week period. You must claim in writing.
If your employer is insolvent
You can claim statutory redundancy pay from the National Insurance Fund through the Redundancy Payments Service. You need two years' continuous service.
You must also have applied in writing to your employer, or to an Industrial Tribunal, within six months of your job ending. Do not let that deadline pass while you wait for news.
Common questions
How much redundancy pay will I get in Northern Ireland?
Half a week's, one week's or one and a half weeks' pay for each full year of service, depending on your age, for up to 20 years. Weekly pay is capped at £783.
How long do I need to have worked to get redundancy pay?
At least two years' continuous service with your employer.
What if my employer has gone bust?
Claim through the Redundancy Payments Service. Apply in writing to your employer or an Industrial Tribunal within six months of your job ending.
Do I have to claim redundancy pay?
No. Your employer should pay it automatically, with a written statement of how it was worked out.