The Transition Support Network
An on-the-ground Transition Support Network made up of representatives from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations national, state and territory offices and Employment Facilitators, assists retrenched workers to find a new job as soon as possible. The network helps employers though the retrenchment process, including how they can meet their obligations and provide their workers with the support they need. This network works closely with Services Australia as well as State and Territory Governments.
Retrenched workers or employers who would like information about the support available can call the Employment Services Information Line on 1800 805 260 or email retrenchment@dewr.gov.au.
Retrenched workers and their partners have immediate access to tailored employment services under the Early Access initiative and can Directly Register with a Workforce Australia Provider.
Workforce Australia Employment Services Providers will assist you to re-enter the workforce as soon as possible. They will help you look for alternative work and provide you with information about job opportunities in your area. This may include:
- an initial, face to face interview to explain the services on offer
- help with your résumé and job applications, interview skills and presentation techniques
- advice on searching for a job, various career options and employment programs
- information about job vacancies and access to job search facilities offered by Services Australia and Workforce Australia Employment Services Provider, including the Workforce Australia website
- local employment opportunities, advice about skills shortage areas and information about training opportunities and
- access to an interpreter if required.
More information on assistance through Workforce Australia is available.
Information Resources
Redundancy Information Statement
The Redundancy Information Statement provides a guide for retrenched workers of their rights, entitlements and available support services.
The Statement has information for retrenched workers on:
- understanding their redundancy rights and entitlements
- where to find government assistance and resources
- the What’s Next? website for resources for retrenched workers and employers
- help available through the Workforce Australia Employment Services
- financial advice services
- health and wellbeing advice services.
While voluntary, employers are encouraged to provide a copy of the Statement to all employees facing retrenchment.
Download your copy of the Redundancy Information Statement.
WhatsNext?
Visit the WhatsNext? website, a self-help resource for recently retrenched workers that offers information about finding work, help with finances and looking after yourself during this transition.
Other support services
Services Australia can assess your situation and work out what services you are eligible for. If you receive a redundancy payment, you may be subject to a waiting period before you can get an income support payment from Services Australia. To find out what services you are eligible for call the Services Australia Employment Services Line on 13 28 50 or visit your local Services Australia Service Centre.
Services Australia Financial Information Service offers free, unbiased financial information about your redundancy package and Government assistance. For information on this service call a Financial Information Service officer on 13 23 00.
Disability Employment Services helps people with disability, injury or health condition get ready to look for a job, find a job and keep a job. To find out if you are eligible for these services, visit the JobAccess website.
The Community Development Program helps deliver better opportunities for remote job seekers and foster stronger economic and social outcomes in remote Australia. To find Community Development Program service provider visit the Workforce Australia website.
The Adult Migrant English Program provides basic tuition in the English language. For more information and to find out if you are eligible for this assistance visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Employees who are owed certain employee entitlements after losing their job because their employer went bankrupt or into liquidation may be able to get financial help from the Australian Government through the Fair Entitlements Guarantee. For more information on the Fair Entitlements Guarantee call 1300 135 040.
If you have recently lost your job and believe you have not received the entitlements you are owed, the Fair Work Ombudsman can help you recover your outstanding entitlements. For information on this service call the Fair Work Info Line on 13 13 94.
Beyondblue works to reduce the impact of depression and anxiety in the community by raising awareness and understanding, empowering people to seek help, and supporting recovery, management and resilience. For access to this support call 1300 224 636.
Lifeline provides access to online, phone and face to face crisis support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For access to this support call 13 11 14.
MoneySmart is an initiative of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission that offers tips and tools to help people make the most of their money. For information on this service visit the MoneySmart website.
If you are experiencing difficulty paying off a loan or mortgage as a result of losing your job, you may be able to postpone your mortgage loan repayments for up to 12 months. You will need to contact your financial institution or bank directly to find out more.
Want more information?
For further information on support available, contact Services Australia or your local jobactive provider. You can visit the Workforce Australia website to find your local Workforce Australia Employment Services Provider.
