Computing Winners with Outplacement

Utilising the outplacement policy, both sides win: the company because it is able to shed staff it finds too expensive and/or inessential, and employees because they can find an equivalent, or better, job. Outplacement consultants offer external support to employers displacing staff, but can also work in‐house arranging company “job centres” which operate in the same way as government job centres for the unemployed. While in the US twice as many redundant executives reportedly receive outplacement treatment paid for by their employers, the trend is fast catching on in the UK. Those in difficulty will need more help from employers, through recognition of responsibilities in these areas and readiness to invest in outplacement and mid‐career counselling services for redundant and/or potentially redundant employees.