Redundancy Today: Changing Perceptions, Breaking the Stigma

by Joseph | 6 Oct 2025

Redundancy has always been an emotional subject. For some, it carries a sense of shame or failure. For others, it is increasingly seen as a natural part of working life. In 2025, as industries change rapidly and businesses adapt, redundancy is becoming more common across the UK workforce. With that shift comes a gradual change in how it is viewed. The stigma, while still present, is starting to fade.

Why Redundancy Still Feels Difficult

It is important to acknowledge that many people still struggle with the word redundancy. It can feel very personal, even when it is not. If you have been made redundant, you may worry about what others think or how it will look on your CV.

Some employers in the past may have seen redundancy as a red flag, assuming it reflected on performance. These old attitudes are one reason why the stigma has lingered.

A More Honest Conversation

Today, however, the conversation is shifting. Economic change, new technology, and evolving business models mean redundancies happen more frequently, often outside an individual’s control. Colleagues, friends, and recruiters are more open about it, and many professionals share their own redundancy stories on LinkedIn and other platforms.

This honesty is helping to normalise redundancy and reduce the sense of isolation.

The Reality of Modern Work

The truth is that redundancy is part of the modern working world. The Office for National Statistics has reported that redundancy levels have risen during times of rapid economic change, and 2025 is no different. Many businesses restructure regularly to stay competitive, and that inevitably leads to job losses. While that can be unsettling, it is becoming more widely accepted as a fact of working life rather than a mark against an individual.

The Positive Shift in Perception

As more people experience redundancy, attitudes are softening. Employers are more likely to understand and accept it when reviewing CVs. Recruiters know that being made redundant does not equal poor performance. In fact, many people use redundancy as a platform for growth, retraining, or career change. The idea that redundancy can open new doors is slowly replacing the old narrative of failure.

How to Approach It Yourself

If you have been made redundant, it is worth being open but confident when talking about it. Keep your explanation factual: “My role was made redundant as part of a restructure.” Then focus on the future, your skills, and what you are looking for next. Most employers and recruiters today will respect this honesty.

It can also help to remember that redundancy is happening to talented people across industries every day. You are not alone, and the stigma is not what it once was.

Redundancy Without Shame

Redundancy will never be easy, but the way it is seen is changing. While some people may still frown upon it, more and more are recognising it as part of a modern career journey. As businesses continue to evolve, the stigma will continue to fade. Being honest, confident, and forward-looking can help you move past any negative perceptions and show redundancy for what it is: a common experience that does not define your value or future.