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You've just been told your job is at risk: what to do this week

7 minute readStop 1: Job at risk

In short

A proposal is not a decision. Your employer must consult you before deciding. Use that time: read the proposal, ask questions in writing, get advice (free), and quietly get your finances and CV ready. You can contact Work and Income before you've lost your job.

Tools for this guide

Final pay calculatorCheck your payslip before you accept it.Money runwaySee your real timeline to first payment and how big the gap is.

First: it isn't final yet

If you've been given a restructuring proposal, your role has not been disestablished yet. Employers must have a genuine business reason, share the proposal, give you a reasonable chance to give feedback, and genuinely consider that feedback before deciding. That process is your leverage and your breathing space.

The first 48 hours

  1. Ask for everything in writing: the proposal, the reasons, who is affected, the selection criteria, the feedback deadline, and what support is offered.
  2. Read your employment agreement: notice period, redundancy compensation clause, restraint of trade, and who owns what you've made.
  3. Download copies of payslips, your agreement, performance reviews and referee contact details to a personal device. Only take what's yours or necessary; don't take confidential company information.
  4. Write down dates and what was said in meetings. A simple dated note is enough.
  5. Don't resign. Resigning during a consultation can cost you redundancy compensation and complicate your Work and Income claim.

Giving feedback on the proposal

Good feedback is specific. You can question the business reason, suggest alternatives (reduced hours, redeployment, voluntary redundancy, cost savings elsewhere), challenge selection criteria, and ask about other roles you could do.

Questions worth asking in writing

1. What financial or operational evidence supports the proposed change? 2. What alternatives were considered, and why were they rejected? 3. How were the selection criteria developed and scored? Can I see my scores? 4. Are there any vacant or new roles I could be considered for? Will I be given first consideration? 5. What redundancy compensation, notice and support (e.g. career transition help, leave to attend interviews) will apply to me? 6. What is the timeline for decisions, and can I have extra time to respond?

Get ahead quietly

  • Contact MSD's redundancy support team early: RedeploymentSupport@msd.govt.nz. You don't have to be on a benefit, and you don't have to wait until you've lost your job.
  • Book a free Direct Career Service appointment: 0800 222 733 (open to NZ residents aged 17 or over).
  • Run the Money Runway tool on this site to see how many weeks your savings and final pay will last.
  • Call your bank's hardship team before you miss a payment, not after.
  • Update your CV and LinkedIn. Tell trusted contacts you're looking.

Who can help, free

  • Employment New Zealand: 0800 20 90 20
  • Citizens Advice Bureau: 0800 367 222
  • Community Law centres: free legal help (communitylaw.org.nz)
  • 1737 Need to talk? Free call or text 1737, any time

Sources

General information only. Confirm with the agency for your situation. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.

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