Official form guide
Form Termination of employment letter template redundancy: Termination of employment letter template redundancy
This is a template letter for employers to provide written notice of termination to an employee being made redundant. Use it when you have decided to make a position redundant and need to formally notify the employee, as required under the Fair Work Act.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form Termination of employment letter template redundancy - Termination of employment letter template redundancy
This is a template letter for employers to provide written notice of termination to an employee being made redundant. Use it when you have decided to make a position redundant and need to formally notify the employee, as required under the Fair Work Act.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is not giving the correct notice period or redundancy pay as required by the award or agreement.
- 2Giving less notice than the minimum required by the National Employment Standards or your award.
- 3Not paying redundancy pay when the employee is eligible (e.g., not a small business exemption).
- 4Failing to consult with the employee before making the decision, if required by the award.
- 5Using discriminatory reasons for the redundancy, which is unlawful.
Plain English
This is a ready-to-use letter template for telling an employee their job is being made redundant. It helps you follow the legal steps, like giving the right notice period and explaining their entitlements. You fill in the details, delete the parts that don't apply, and give it to the employee.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Give the letter to the employee before the termination date. The notice period must be at least the minimum required by the National Employment Standards or your award/agreement.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this template when you are making an employee's position redundant and need to give written notice of termination.
- It helps you include required details like the reason for termination, notice period, and redundancy pay.
- You can adapt it for different notice situations (working notice or payment in lieu).
- It is suitable for both small business and non-small business employers, but check your award or agreement first.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Employee is being terminated for poor performance or misconduct
This template is specifically for redundancy, not disciplinary dismissals
✓ Check Fair Work guidelines for lawful termination reasons
Use a termination of employment letter for cause
Employee is on a fixed-term contract ending naturally
Redundancy rules may not apply to genuine fixed-term contracts
✓ Confirm contract terms and Fair Work rules
No termination letter needed if contract expires
You need to issue a notice of resignation or retirement
This template is for employer-initiated redundancy, not employee resignation
✓ Ensure you follow correct procedures for voluntary departures
Use a resignation acknowledgement or retirement letter
Employee is covered by a specific award with redundancy clauses
Awards may have different notice and redundancy pay rules
✓ Verify with Fair Work Ombudsman or your industry association
Use this template but check your award for extra requirements
Deadline or filing window
The notice period must be given before the termination date. Check your award or agreement for the exact notice period – it can be up to 5 weeks for long-serving employees.
Before you submit
- 1Fill in the employee's full name and position.
- 2State the date of the letter and the date of termination.
- 3Specify the notice period (weeks) and whether you are providing working notice or payment in lieu.
- 4Calculate and include the redundancy pay amount based on years of service.
- 5List any other entitlements owed (annual leave, long service leave, time off instead of overtime).
- 6Include details of any attempts to find alternative employment within the business.
- 7Provide contact information for the Fair Work Ombudsman and relevant support services.
- 8Keep a copy of the signed letter for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Determine the employee's correct notice period and redundancy pay entitlements under the NES, award, or agreement.
- 2Complete the template by replacing the placeholder text in red with the employee's details and your calculations.
- 3Print the letter on company letterhead and have it signed by an authorised person.
- 4Deliver the letter to the employee in person, by post, or electronically as per your workplace practices.
- 5Record the date of delivery and keep a copy in the employee's file.
Known limitations
- 1This template is a guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
- 2It may not cover all situations, such as special protections for employees on leave or those covered by enterprise agreements.
- 3You must ensure the redundancy is genuine and not for discriminatory reasons.
- 4The template does not replace the need to consult with employees if required by an award or agreement.
- 5It does not include all possible entitlements (e.g., notice for award-free employees may differ).
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->This is a template letter for employers to notify an employee of redundancy. It was last updated in October 2022 and reflects current Fair Work requirements.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the current Fair Work Act and National Employment Standards for any updates to redundancy pay or notice periods.
- Verify if your business is a small business (fewer than 15 employees) as redundancy rules differ.
- Review any applicable award, enterprise agreement, or employment contract for specific redundancy obligations.
- Confirm the template includes all required sections: reason, notice, pay, entitlements, and support services.
- Update the template with your business details and the employee's correct information before use.
Quick Facts
Sources
- SRCForm title: 'Letter of termination of employment (redundancy) template'
- SRCIssued by: Fair Work Ombudsman (Australian Government)
- SRCLast updated: October 2022 (as stated in the form text)
- SRCPages: 6 (based on the provided source excerpts)
- SRCContent includes notice, redundancy pay, entitlements, and support services references.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific legal obligations beyond the text provided.
Common confusion points
Confusing notice period with redundancy pay – they are separate entitlements.
Thinking small business employers always pay redundancy – they may be exempt.
Assuming you can terminate without notice if you pay redundancy – notice is still required unless paid in lieu.
Forgetting to include accrued annual leave and long service leave in final pay.
Not checking if the employee has a right to dispute the redundancy as unfair dismissal.
Using this template for other types of termination, like misconduct.
Overlooking the need to consult with the employee if required by an award or agreement.
Not updating the template with current Fair Work contact details or support services.
Source transparency
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