Invitation for voluntary redundancy applications letter template


Our Invitation for Voluntary Redundancy Applications letter template encourages employees to apply for voluntary redundancy while maintaining a fair process.
If you wish to invite voluntary redundancy applications, send this model letter as an invitation for employees to apply, and to set out the proposed terms.
- 1 page / 249 words
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text
- Suitable for United Kingdom use only
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Invitation for voluntary redundancy applications letter
[Sender name]
[Sender address]
[date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Dear [Recipient first name],
Invitation for voluntary redundancy applications
Thank you for attending the [group/department/team] meeting that took place on [date]. As we informed you at that meeting, it is regrettably inevitable that the reorganisation of [Company]'s business and activities will result in redundancies. We anticipate that it will be necessary to make [number] employees redundant in [[Company] as a whole/the department in which you work].
As a first step, [Company] wishes to invite employees to consider whether to apply for voluntary redundancy. The
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An invitation for voluntary redundancy applications letter is a formal document used by an employer to inform employees that they have the opportunity to apply for voluntary redundancy.
Voluntary redundancy occurs when an employer offers employees the opportunity to voluntarily leave their employment in exchange for a financial package. This is typically done when the employer needs to reduce their workforce, but wants to avoid compulsory redundancies.
The invitation for voluntary redundancy applications letter typically includes information about the terms of the voluntary redundancy package, such as the amount of compensation that will be offered and any other benefits that may be available. The letter may also include information about the eligibility criteria for applying for voluntary redundancy, such as the length of service with the employer or any specific skills or roles that are being targeted for redundancy.
The purpose of the invitation for voluntary redundancy applications letter is to inform employees of the opportunity to apply for voluntary redundancy and to provide them with all the necessary information they need to make an informed decision about whether to apply. The letter may also serve as a way for the employer to demonstrate their commitment to treating employees fairly and with respect during a difficult period of change.
It is usually delivered to the Employee by the Employer / HR.
It should be actioned as soon as possible after a decision is made to accept applications.
Compliance
Compliance
This Invitation for voluntary redundancy applications letter template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
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The Employment Rights Act 1996: This legislation outlines the rights of employees in relation to redundancy, including the requirement for employers to consult with affected employees. Even if an employee has voluntarily applied for redundancy, an employer must still follow a fair and transparent selection process to ensure that any resulting redundancy is fair.
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The Equality Act 2010: This act prohibits discrimination on the grounds of certain protected characteristics, such as age, gender, race, disability, and sexual orientation. Employers must ensure that their voluntary redundancy selection process does not discriminate against employees on any of these grounds.
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The ACAS Code of Practice on Settlement Agreements: This code provides guidance on good practice for negotiating and agreeing on settlement agreements, which may be used to facilitate voluntary redundancy. Employers should aim to follow this code to ensure that their procedures are fair and reasonable.
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The Working Time Regulations 1998: This legislation sets out the maximum number of hours that employees can work each week, as well as minimum rest breaks and annual leave entitlements. Employers must ensure that any changes to working patterns or hours as a result of voluntary redundancy do not breach these regulations.
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The National Minimum Wage Act 1998: Employers must ensure that any payments made to employees as part of a voluntary redundancy scheme comply with the National Minimum Wage regulations.
Flowchart
Flowchart
Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Invitation for voluntary redundancy applications letter template, to understand the workflow.

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Voluntary redundancy application form
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Invitation for voluntary redundancy applications letter template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.