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.

Incidence

Redundancy of workers is a significant issue affecting millions globally, with estimates suggesting that over 20 million workers were made redundant in the European Union alone during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The phenomenon is particularly pronounced in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and hospitality, where economic downturns and technological advancements have led to substantial job losses. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have also reported high redundancy rates, with the latter experiencing a peak of 1.5 million redundancies in 2020, highlighting the widespread nature of this challenge.
A notable instance of worker redundancy occurred in 2020 when the British airline industry faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic. British Airways announced plans to cut up to 12,000 jobs, representing nearly 30% of its workforce, as travel restrictions and reduced demand severely impacted operations. This decision, made public in April 2020, underscored the airline's struggle to adapt to the sudden and dramatic decline in air travel, reflecting the broader crisis faced by the aviation sector during that period.

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

Redundancy of workers is often overstated as a pressing issue. In a dynamic economy, job shifts are natural and necessary for growth. Companies must adapt to changing markets, and this can lead to workforce adjustments. Instead of viewing redundancy as a crisis, we should see it as an opportunity for innovation and skill development. Workers can find new roles that better match their talents, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the economy. Embracing change is essential for progress.