Make the best of it

Start with the Information sheet  Redundancy-making the best of it, where there's information about what you're entitled to, doing a skills health check and how to recession-proof your CV together with links to free courses on the Open University's Beyond Recession website. Before you go any further, read some inspiring stories about some people who have moved on successfully after redundancy.

Get your facts and figures right

If you’ve worked for an employer for at least 2 years you have the right to receive redundancy pay.  Exactly how much redundancy pay you are due can be calculated using the benefits adviser.

What regular financial commitments do you have?  Could any be reduced or could the terms be changed?  For example: mortgages, direct debits, credit cards, loans, hire purchase, life and/or health insurance, subscriptions and memberships.

• Check any pension schemes you are contributing to - do you need to do anything?
• Do you qualify for benefits?  Check the Directgov website for details of benefits and help with looking for work or going back to work. For example, you can apply online or by phone (0800 055 6688) for Jobseeker's Allowance.

Enterprise allowances

If you've been receiving the Jobseekers Allowance for 26 weeks or more you could qualify for the New Enterprise Allowance - a package worth up to £2,274 - if you have a viable idea for a new business. For more information about starting your own business go to Enterprise Opporrtunities.

Upskill 

Higher education could boost your career prospects and earning potential.  Many employers target graduates in their recruitment campaigns and on average, graduates earn substantially more than non graduates.  A higher education qualification will build your skills and confidence whilst opening up new opportunities - whatever stage of life you're at. 

For work-related degree options search Foundation degrees in the South East - the tool that enables you to search everything on offer in the South East, see what's available nearest to you and view the individual course descriptions.  

Studying part-time at the college or university near you may be an option but do check that your benefits aren't affected because you're not available for work.  Or try the Open University where all courses are part-time and studied at home in your own time.  For more detailed advice  go to the study choices pages.  

Already a graduate?

Consider a short course to improve your employability - as well as the postgraduate section, look at the business facing pages of your local university and college websites to see what's on offer.  If you get stuck email us .

See the Guardian's guide to what it would cost to do postgraduate study. Also have a look at the information and advice for postgraduates at Prospects and Postgraduate Study: Getting Started .

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