Can I Get Another Job While on Redundancy Notice?

Being made redundant is stressful, but it’s also a time to look ahead. If you're serving a redundancy notice period, you may be wondering whether you can look for or start a new job before your current one officially ends. The good news is that UK employment law supports you during this transition, provided you handle it correctly.

This guide explains your rights around job-hunting during redundancy, what your employer must allow, and how different types of notice periods (like PILON or gardening leave) affect your options.

What Is Redundancy?                                

Redundancy occurs when your employer decides your role is no longer needed. It must be for a genuine business reason, such as:

• Closure of the business or a department

• A reduced need for employees to carry out certain work

• Reorganisation or outsourcing of responsibilities

You may be asked to serve a notice period, during which you're still employed and entitled to full pay and benefits.

Can I Look for Another Job During My Redundancy Notice Period?

Yes. UK law gives you the right to reasonable paid time off to:

• Attend job interviews

• Sign on for benefits

• Get help with CVs, training, or career advice

This applies if you’ve been continuously employed for at least two years, and you are under notice of redundancy. Your employer must allow a reasonable amount of time off and cannot deduct from your final pay for this.

Can I Start a New Job Before My Notice Ends?

Yes, but only with agreement from your current employer. You are still contractually employed until your notice period ends, so:

• You must formally resign if you want to leave earlier than your notice date

• Your employer may agree to waive your notice or agree on a revised end date

• If you leave early without agreement, you could forfeit redundancy pay or other benefits

It’s often best to discuss options openly with your employer. They may prefer to release you early, especially if they’re paying you notice or don't require you to work.

Can I Take Holiday During My Redundancy Notice?

Yes. You can use outstanding holiday entitlement during your notice period if agreed with your employer. If not used, it must be paid to you with your final payslip.

Your employer can also require you to take holiday during the notice period, provided they give appropriate notice (usually double the amount of leave being taken).

Taking annual leave doesn't affect your redundancy entitlement.

What Is Gardening Leave?

Gardening leave means you are still employed and being paid, but you’re not required to work or attend the workplace. You usually:

• Must remain available to your employer

• Cannot work elsewhere unless authorised

• Still receive salary and benefits

Gardening leave is often used to prevent outgoing employees from accessing sensitive information before they leave. You cannot start a new job unless your contract allows it or your employer gives written permission.

What Is PILON?

PILON (Pay in Lieu of Notice) is when your employer ends your employment immediately but pays you the full value of your notice period upfront.

You are no longer employed once PILON is issued, meaning:

• You are free to start a new job immediately

• Your employment ends on the date PILON begins

• The payment is taxable and includes usual pay and benefits

Because PILON ends your contract immediately, there are no restrictions on starting another job.

Can I Look for a Job While on PILON?

Yes. Once PILON is issued, you are no longer employed and free to work elsewhere, sign on for benefits, or start a new business. There are no legal barriers to finding work or signing a new employment contract.

Just be sure your contract doesn’t include restrictive covenants such as non-compete clauses, especially if you’re moving to a similar role in the same industry.

What Should My Employer Do to Support Me?

Your employer should:

• Provide your redundancy letter with clear terms

• Allow reasonable paid time off for interviews

• Give you your P45 and details of any final payments

• Honour any outstanding holiday or bonus payments

• Handle the process fairly and consult you properly

Some employers may offer outplacement support, including help with CVs, training or job matching services.

Final Thoughts

You can absolutely search and apply for jobs while on your redundancy notice, and if agreed with your employer, you may start a new job before your current notice ends. If you’re placed on PILON, you’re free to move on straight away. If you're on gardening leave, you’ll need to check the rules before starting work elsewhere.

Whatever your situation, you remain entitled to your redundancy pay, notice pay and final wages – and your right to look for a new opportunity is fully protected.