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Trying times in the labour market calls for proactive actions and an upbeat attitude. Just as important, the awareness of your rights as an employee is essential in negotiating the transition in and out of work.

In the current economic climate it pays to secure your place in the labour market. You don’t want to be forced to react to events, be discouraged about your situation or be in the dark about what your rights are.

First, be proactive with your situation. If worse comes to worse, you don’t want to be hindered by long delays before you are ready to start job hunting. Keep yourself prepared for any eventuality. Make sure that your CV is current and you have copies of any documentation you may need for a job application, such as education certificates.

One smart tactic is to register with Monster and upload your CV for all prospective employers to look at. Not all vacancies are openly advertised, rather some employers will identify promising interviewees from a CV database.

Don’t be caught by surprise. Stay up-to-date with the financial health of your company. Are earnings down? Has the firm lost big customers? Pay attention to any news you might hear from your shop steward, but don’t be alarmed by rumours.

Secondly, the times demand a positive attitude. You have to keep your spirits up and stay encouraged. This may be difficult, but focus on all the desirable traits you possess that employers would love to have in an employee.

Even if the job hunt does not necessarily result in the desired outcome right away, persistence does eventually pay off. Don’t give up. Even the smallest steps will take you along the road of your career.

Finally, be aware of your rights as an employee:

Furlough

Furlough means the temporary suspension of work and pay. During a period on furlough, all other aspects of the employee’s contract remain unchanged. Employees may be furloughed temporarily, indefinitely or by reducing working hours.

Cooperation negotiations

The aim of cooperation negotiations is to augment genuine cooperation between staff and their employer. The goal is to give employees more opportunities to influence matters affecting their work and job stability.

When a working relationship ends

Do not sign an agreement unless you are absolutely sure that you understand its meaning. Check with a trusted expert that the redundancy is properly conducted and on relevant grounds, and make sure you visit the Employment Office as soon as possible.