Redundancy Advice & Legal Services in Melbourne
Redundancy Can Feel Overwhelming
Losing a job due to redundancy can be stressful for employees and employers. Understanding your legal rights and navigating the redundancy process can feel overwhelming.
Recent data shows that 31% of Australian employers planned redundancies in December 2023, a sharp increase from 17% in the previous quarter. This trend has continued into 2024, with 27% of employers anticipating redundancies in the September quarter.

Know Your Rights, Protect Your Future
At Close Consulting, we are here to help you make sense of this challenging situation with clear and practical redundancy advice. We focus on helping you protect your redundancy entitlements while offering support for processes like genuine redundancy, unfair dismissals, or negotiating a fair redundancy package.
Understanding Redundancy
Redundancy occurs when an employer decides that a role is no longer needed due to operational requirements. This can happen for various reasons, including changes to the business structure, technology, or a decline in workload. Under Australian employment law, redundancy must meet specific criteria to be considered a genuine redundancy.
A genuine redundancy means:
- The employer no longer requires the role to be performed by anyone.
- The consultation process has been followed, as outlined in modern awards or employment agreements.
- The employer has considered any opportunities for alternative employment within the business or related entities.
If these steps are not followed, the redundancy may be viewed as a non-genuine redundancy, and employees may have the right to file an unfair dismissal claim.
When redundancies do not follow proper procedures, employees may feel unfairly treated. Filing an unfair dismissal application through the Fair Work Commission allows employees to contest the decision. If successful, employees may receive compensation or reinstatement of their role.
Understanding the redundancy process can be complex. Seeking legal advice from an experienced lawyer ensures you are aware of your legal rights and entitlements during this time.



Employee Rights and Entitlements
When facing redundancy, employees are entitled to specific benefits under Australian employment laws. Understanding these redundancy entitlements can help ensure that you receive everything you are legally owed.
Employees covered by the National Employment Standards (NES) are entitled to redundancy payments based on their continuous service with the employer. The payment amount depends on the period of employment:
- For employees with at least 1 year of service, redundancy pay ranges between 4 to 16 weeks’ pay.
- Employees on fixed-term contracts or classified as casual employees are generally not eligible for redundancy pay unless specified in their employment contract or modern awards.
Employers are required to provide a notice period based on the employee’s length of service:
- Less than 1 year: 1 week’s notice
- 1–3 years: 2 weeks’ notice
- 3–5 years: 3 weeks’ notice
- 5+ years: 4 weeks’ notice
Employees over the age of 45, with at least 2 years of service, are entitled to an additional week of notice.
In addition to redundancy payments and notice, employees may also be entitled to:
- Payment for any accrued annual leave or long service leave.
- Payment of any unpaid wages or outstanding bonuses.
- Superannuation contributions up to the final day of employment.
Understanding your entitlements can be challenging, especially if there are issues around a redundancy package or unclear terms in your contract of employment. An experienced employment lawyer can offer expert advice to help you secure your rightful entitlements and guide you through any disputes.
Legal Support for Employees
Redundancy can be difficult to navigate, especially if you are unsure whether the process was fair or genuine. Employees often require legal advice to understand their rights, assess their options, and take appropriate action. At Close Consulting, we help employees with clear guidance and support to resolve redundancy issues.
If you believe your redundancy was not genuine, you may have grounds to file an unfair dismissal application. A redundancy is considered non-genuine if:
- Your employer did not follow the correct consultation process.
- Your role was not truly redundant but replaced under a different title.
- No effort was made to redeploy you to an alternative role within the company.
Filing an unfair dismissal claim with the Fair Work Commission can result in compensation or reinstatement. Acting quickly is essential, as there are strict time limits for these claims.
In many cases, employers offer a redundancy package that may include additional payments beyond the legal minimum. An experienced employment lawyer can help you:
- Assess whether the redundancy offer is fair.
- Negotiate better terms, such as extended pay or financial advice support.
- Ensure all legal rights and entitlements are included.
We understand that redundancy can be a stressful time, both financially and emotionally. Our team is here to provide professional support, helping you secure your entitlements and guiding you through the entire process with care and clarity.



Services for Employers
Redundancy is sometimes necessary for businesses due to changing operational requirements, but it must be handled carefully to comply with workplace laws. At Close Consulting, we provide employers with practical advice to ensure that redundancies are managed fairly, legally, and with minimal disruption.
We help employers understand and implement a legally compliant redundancy process by:
- Identifying roles that are genuinely redundant based on business needs.
- Providing support with the required consultation process under modern awards and employment agreements.
- Advising on proper notice periods and redundancy payments to avoid legal challenges.
Mistakes during redundancies can lead to costly claims such as unfair dismissal or disputes over entitlements. Common pitfalls include:
- Failing to explore alternative employment options for affected employees.
- Not following the correct consultation requirements.
- Miscommunication around redundancy entitlements and employee rights.
Restructuring your organization can be challenging, especially when redundancies are part of the process. We assist businesses with:
- Strategic planning to minimize redundancies where possible.
- Reviewing employment contracts and policies to ensure compliance with employment laws.
- Managing employee communication to maintain trust and morale during restructuring.
Redundancy decisions affect both employees and the overall workplace culture. Seeking professional advice ensures the process is smooth, compliant, and fair to all parties. This not only protects you from potential legal matters but also demonstrates your commitment to ethical employment practices.
Why Choose Close Consulting for Redundancy Advice?
At Close Consulting, we’re committed to guiding you through the complexities of redundancy with care and clarity. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your redundancy advice and support:

1. Expert Redundancy Advice Without the High Costs
Unlike traditional redundancy lawyers, we are experienced HR consultants who specialize in providing high-quality, practical advice at a more affordable cost. This allows us to help employees access the support they need during difficult times without breaking the bank.

2. Extensive Experience in Employment Matters
Our team has years of experience handling redundancy cases, workplace disputes, and other employment-related issues. Whether it’s reviewing your redundancy package, ensuring your employer followed the correct consultation process, or advising on redundancy entitlements, we’re here to help.

3. Clear and Practical Guidance
We believe in keeping things simple and clear. You’ll receive straightforward advice to help you understand your situation and options. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from understanding your redundancy rights to reviewing your employer’s actions.

4. A Compassionate and Supportive Approach
We understand that redundancy can be a stressful time filled with uncertainty. That’s why we approach every case with empathy, treating your concerns with the attention and care they deserve. Your well-being and peace of mind are our top priorities.

5. Quick and Reliable Initial Consultations
When you need answers, you don’t have time to wait. Book an initial consultation with our team to discuss your redundancy concerns. We’ll assess your case, explain your options, and provide a clear plan to help you move forward with confidence.
Why Choose Close Consulting?

Years of Experience and Expertise

Empathy and Understanding

Affordable Services

Clear Communication

The Close Consulting Difference

Flexible Fee Structure

Big & Small Cases

Boutique & Personalised

FAQs About Redundancy Advice
Yes, employees can request voluntary redundancy in Australia if their employer offers it during workforce changes. However, it’s up to the employer to decide whether to accept the request.
Redundancy laws in Australia, under the Fair Work Act, ensure employees are fairly compensated when a role is no longer required. Employers must follow proper consultation processes and provide entitlements like redundancy pay and notice periods.
The cost of an employment lawyer in Australia varies, ranging from $300 to $600 per hour. Alternatives like HR consultants offer more affordable and flexible redundancy advice.
No, redundancy doesn’t reflect poorly on your CV as it’s unrelated to your performance. It’s often due to company restructuring or operational changes. Focus on showcasing your skills and achievements instead.
The maximum redundancy pay in Australia depends on your length of continuous service, capped at 16 weeks’ pay for employees with 9 or more years of service under the National Employment Standards (NES).
Need Redundancy Advice You Can Trust?
If you’ve been made redundant or suspect your redundancy is unfair, Close Consulting is here to support you every step of the way. Get in touch today to discuss your situation and explore how we can help protect your rights and entitlements.
