Once you are in an interview situation, show any potential employer how enthusiastic and eager you are for a new challenge. As long as you can talk energetically about your previous work experience and demonstrate what you have learned, the fact that you have been made redundant should be irrelevant.

I presume you have ensured that you are receiving a good redundancy package, but just in case, here are the basics of what you can expect:

• You can only make a claim if you have worked for your employer for more than two years.
• You must be given notice of redundancy – one week’s notice for every year worked for that employer, up to a max of 12 weeks.
• The employer must give you redundancy pay: one week’s wages for every year you have worked for that employer.
• The compensation is more generous if you’re over 40, but less generous if you’re under 22 or over 64.

If you feel aggrieved by the way your employer has handled your redundancy, you can take your case to an Employment Tribunal.

Whilst you are looking for work, you can get Jobseeker’s Allowance – currently about £56 a week - but only after your employer’s redundancy pay has ended. Astonishingly, if you have even modest savings (£8000), you won’t get it at all.

Keep a positive attitude and you'll be on your way to a wonderful new job before you know it. Good luck!

Debbie