The NHS has announced redundancy measures across parts of its workforce. If you are an NHS employee facing redundancy or entering a consultation process, understanding your legal rights under England and Wales employment law is an essential first step.
What has been announced
- On 12 November 2025, it was reported that the NHS received approval to proceed with thousands of redundancies across its workforce.
- On 23 September 2026, it was reported that more than 200 NHS jobs are being cut across health services in Shropshire and Staffordshire.
- The reductions in Shropshire and Staffordshire were reported to be part of cost-cutting and workforce reduction measures.
About the company
The NHS is the publicly funded healthcare system operating across England and Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
It employs staff across healthcare delivery, administrative services, management, and operational support roles.
What happens next
Employers proposing large-scale redundancies must follow collective consultation procedures. Under the law of England and Wales, if an employer plans 100 or more redundancies at one establishment, consultation must last at least 45 days before the first dismissal takes effect. Where between 20 and 99 redundancies are planned, the consultation period must be at least 30 days.
During consultation, employer representatives must engage with trade unions or elected employee representatives to discuss ways to avoid or reduce dismissals and mitigate the consequences.
Individual staff members should also receive individual consultation to discuss their specific role, redundancy selection criteria, and potential alternative employment.
Eligible employees with at least two years of continuous service are entitled to statutory redundancy pay, in addition to any contractual redundancy entitlements that may apply.
Voluntary or compulsory redundancy
In redundancy programmes, employers often explore voluntary redundancy schemes before resorting to compulsory cuts.
Voluntary redundancy allows employees to put themselves forward for termination under agreed financial terms.
Compulsory redundancy occurs when an employer identifies roles for elimination and selects employees through formal assessment criteria if voluntary targets are not met or suitable redeployment is unavailable.
Your settlement agreement
In redundancy situations, employers may offer employees a settlement agreement.
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract in which an employee agrees to waive potential employment claims in exchange for compensation, which may include an enhanced redundancy package.
To be legally binding in England and Wales, you must receive advice on the terms and effect of the agreement from an independent legal adviser, such as a qualified solicitor.
Employers usually provide a contribution towards the employee's legal fees for obtaining this required advice.
Common questions
How many NHS redundancies have been reported?
Reports indicate that the NHS has received approval to proceed with thousands of redundancies across its workforce, with more than 200 jobs reported to be affected specifically in Shropshire and Staffordshire.
How long must the redundancy consultation last?
Under England and Wales employment law, the minimum collective consultation period is 45 days if 100 or more redundancies are proposed at one establishment, or 30 days if between 20 and 99 redundancies are proposed.
Am I entitled to statutory redundancy pay?
Employees with two or more years of continuous service qualify for statutory redundancy pay, which is calculated based on age, length of service, and weekly earnings subject to statutory limits. NHS staff may also have separate contractual redundancy terms.
Why do I need a solicitor for a settlement agreement?
Under the law of England and Wales, a settlement agreement is not legally valid unless you have received advice from an independent legal adviser on its terms and effect, particularly regarding your ability to bring future employment claims.
How Deen & Co helps
Deen & Co Solicitors advises employees navigating redundancy processes. Our employment solicitors provide independent advice on settlement agreements, review redundancy terms, and help staff understand their legal protections under England and Wales employment law.
Read more about settlement agreement advice or work out your statutory redundancy pay.
If your role is in London, our settlement agreement solicitors London can review the package before you sign.
Sources
- More than 200 NHS jobs being cut across Shropshire and Staffordshire - Rayo — Rayo (23 September 2026)
- More than 200 NHS jobs being cut across Shropshire and Staffordshire - Rayo — Rayo (23 September 2026)
- NHS gets go-ahead to make thousands of redundancies - BBC — BBC (12 November 2025)
- NHS gets go-ahead to make thousands of redundancies - BBC — BBC (12 November 2025)
Last updated 27 October 2026. This page summarises publicly reported information and is general guidance, not legal advice on your own situation.
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