Redundancy of workers

Redundancy of human resources
Redundancy elimination
Dismissal of workers to improve profitability
Premature termination of employment
Outplacement
Lay-off from work
Retrenchment
Fired from work
Laid off

Nature

Workers may be dismissed for reasons of redundancy because of a reduction in the amount of work of an enterprise, or as the result of the introduction of computers and automated equipment which eliminate certain jobs. In deciding which workers are to be retained, preference is usually given to workers of higher qualification and labour productivity, though redundancy usually strikes at those with less time in the job, who are often immigrants and young people.

Background

The global significance of worker redundancy emerged during the industrial restructuring of the late 20th century, when automation and economic shifts led to mass layoffs across developed and developing nations. Recognition of its widespread impact intensified during the 1980s and 1990s, as multinational corporations downsized and relocated operations, prompting international debate on social safety nets and labor market adaptation. Subsequent economic crises further highlighted redundancy as a persistent and complex challenge for policymakers worldwide.

Incidence

Redundancy of workers has become a significant global issue, affecting millions across both developed and developing economies. Mass layoffs have been reported in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and retail, often triggered by automation, economic downturns, or corporate restructuring. The International Labour Organization estimated that in 2023, over 200 million jobs were lost or at risk worldwide due to redundancy, highlighting the widespread and persistent nature of this problem.
In 2023, the technology sector in the United States experienced a notable wave of redundancies, with companies like Meta and Google collectively laying off more than 30,000 employees in response to shifting market conditions and cost-cutting measures.

Claim

It often happens that, at the very top of organizations, apparently crucial positions can go unfilled for long periods of time without there being any noticeable effect—even, on the organization itself. In recent years, Belgium has gone through a series of constitutional crises that have left it temporarily without a sitting government: no prime minister and no one in charge of health, transportation, or education. These crises have been known to continue for considerable periods of time—the record so far is 541 days—without there being any observable negative impact on health, transportation, or education. One has to imagine that if the situation were to endure for decades, it would make some sort of difference; but it’s not clear how much of one or whether the positive effects would outweigh the negative ones.

Counter-claim

The so-called "redundancy of workers" is vastly overstated and hardly a pressing issue. In a dynamic economy, workforce adjustments are natural and often beneficial, driving innovation and efficiency. Workers adapt, retrain, and find new opportunities, while businesses remain competitive. Obsessing over redundancy distracts from real challenges like productivity and technological advancement. Frankly, it’s not an important problem—just a routine part of progress.