Redundancy Advice Ireland: What You Need to Know Before You Sign Anything
Losing your job is never easy. Whether you saw it coming or it arrived completely out of the blue, redundancy triggers a flood of questionsâââabout money, about what comes next, and about whether youâre being treated fairly. At Money Maximising Advisors Limited, weâve helped countless individuals across Ireland navigate this exact situation, and one thing is clear: the decisions you make in the first few weeks after redundancy can shape your financial future for years to come.
This guide is designed to give you straightforward, plain-English advice on your rights, your entitlements, and the smart financial moves to make right now.
What Exactly Is Redundancy?
In Ireland, redundancy occurs when an employer needs to reduce the number of employees due to business reasonsâââsuch as restructuring, company closure, a reduction in work, or the introduction of new technology. Under the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967â2014, if youâve been in continuous employment for at least two years, you are legally entitled to a statutory redundancy payment.
Itâs important to note: redundancy must relate to the job, not the person. If an employer selects employees for redundancy based on personal reasons or protected characteristics such as age, gender, or disability, that may constitute unfair dismissal rather than genuine redundancy.
What Is the Statutory Redundancy Payment in Ireland?
The statutory redundancy entitlement in Ireland is calculated as follows:
Two weeksâ pay for every year of service, plus
One additional bonus weekâs pay
This is capped at a weekly earnings ceiling of âŹ600 per week (as of current legislation). So, if youâve been with an employer for 10 years, youâd typically be entitled to 21 weeksâ pay (10 Ă 2 + 1 bonus week), capped accordingly.
Crucially, statutory redundancy payments are entirely tax-free. Any enhanced or ex-gratia redundancy payment above the statutory amount may also qualify for certain tax exemptionsâââbut this is where many people miss out significantly by not seeking proper advice.
Tax Exemptions You May Not Know About
This is where the real financial planning begins. Beyond the statutory payment, you may be entitled to additional tax-free reliefs when receiving a lump sum from your employer:
Basic Exemption: Up to âŹ10,160, plus âŹ765 for each full year of service, is exempt from income tax. This is available to everyone, regardless of whether theyâve previously claimed it.
Increased Exemption: If you havenât made any pension lump sum claims in the previous 10 years, the basic exemption can increase by up to âŹ10,000.
Standard Capital Superannuation Benefit (SCSB): If youâve been a long-serving employee with a high salary, this formulaâââwhich takes 1/15th of your average annual pay over the last three years, multiplied by your years of service, minus any tax-free pension lump sumâââcould be more beneficial than the basic exemption.
Choosing the wrong relief can cost you thousands. A financial advisor can run the numbers for your specific circumstances and ensure you claim the most advantageous option.
Your Redundancy Checklist: Steps to Take Immediately
If youâve just been made redundantâââor have been told redundancy is comingâââhereâs what to focus on:
1. Confirm your entitlement in writing. Your employer must give you a completed RP50 form (or equivalent documentation) confirming the statutory redundancy amount. Do not accept verbal assurances alone.
2. Review your employment contract. Many contracts include enhanced redundancy termsâââsometimes far above the statutory minimum. Check what youâre actually owed before accepting any offer.
3. Understand the tax position on your full package. If youâre receiving any ex-gratia payment, share options, payment in lieu of notice, or holiday pay, these are treated differently for tax purposes. Get clarity before signing.
4. Assess your pension situation. Redundancy is one of the most overlooked opportunities to make significant pension contributions. In the year of redundancy, you may be able to contribute a substantial lump sum into a pension and claim income tax reliefâââwhich could dramatically reduce your overall tax liability. This is particularly powerful if youâve received a large redundancy package.
5. Apply for Jobseekerâs Benefit promptly. If youâre not moving into immediate employment, apply to the Department of Social Protection for Jobseekerâs Benefit without delay. There is typically a waiting period, so start the process early.
6. Donât sign anything under pressure. Employers sometimes present settlement agreements with tight turnaround windows. You are entitled to take time to seek independent adviceâââand in most cases, your employer is legally required to allow it.
Redundancy and Your Pension: The Hidden Opportunity
One area where people consistently leave money on the table is the intersection of redundancy and pension planning.
If you are aged 50 or over, you may be able to draw down your pension early (subject to scheme rules) under whatâs known as an early retirement option. This can be particularly beneficial if youâre moving to lower-paid work or taking a career break.
Alternatively, if youâre a PAYE worker, you can make an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) in the same tax year as your redundancy, using part of your redundancy proceeds. This can offset a large portion of your income tax bill for that yearâââeffectively allowing the Revenue to fund part of your retirement savings.
The age-related contribution limits (ranging from 15% of net relevant earnings for under-30s to 40% for those aged 60 and over) make this particularly powerful for older workersâââwhich is often exactly when redundancy strikes.
What If Your Redundancy Is Unfair?
Not every redundancy is genuine. You may have grounds to challenge your redundancy through the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) if:
You were selected unfairly compared to colleagues in similar roles
Your employer failed to consider suitable alternative employment within the company
The correct procedures were not followed
The redundancy was used as a cover for dismissal on discriminatory or personal grounds
There are strict time limits for lodging a complaintâââgenerally six months from the date of dismissal, extendable to 12 months in exceptional circumstances. Do not delay.
Why Independent Financial Advice Matters
When redundancy hits, your employerâs HR department and legal team are there to protect the companyâs interests, not yours. Independent financial advice ensures someone is firmly in your corner.
At Money Maximising Advisors Limited, we work with individuals across Ireland to:
Calculate the most tax-efficient way to receive your redundancy package
Review pension options and AVC strategies
Plan for income replacement during any career transition period
Provide holistic financial planning to stabilise and grow your position long-term
We take a clear, transparent approachâââno jargon, no pressure, just practical advice tailored to your specific situation.
Speak to a Redundancy Financial Advisor Today
Whether youâve already received your redundancy notice or are planning ahead, the right advice at the right time makes an enormous difference to the outcome.
Money Maximising Advisors Limited offers a confidential initial consultation to help you understand where you stand and what your options are.
đ Contact us today at mmadvisors.ie to arrange your consultation.
















