Layoff / Redundancy Announcement

When to use this

Take advice from legal and HR before sending. The template captures the hallmarks of a humane redundancy comms: ownership at the top, no jargon, named support, what doesn't change.

# An important update

Today is a difficult day at [Company].

We are reducing our workforce by [Number], approximately [%]. Affected colleagues have been or will be spoken to directly today by [their manager / HR].

## Why
[Be honest. The reason in plain English. Whether it's market conditions, strategy change, or financial necessity, name it. Avoid euphemism — "right-sizing", "restructuring" — those words add no information and corrode trust.]

[State what we tried first. State what we ruled out.]

## What we're doing for affected colleagues
- Notice and severance: [Specific terms]
- Continued benefits for [period]
- Outplacement support: [Provider, what it includes]
- Reference letters: provided as standard
- Visa support for those whose work permits are tied to employment: [Specific commitment]
- A point of contact for any question, today or in coming weeks: [Name, email]

## What's not changing
- [Service to customers]
- [Specific commitments to remaining colleagues]
- [Specific plans we are still committed to]

## To everyone staying
Today is painful. The people leaving are friends and colleagues. Please give them and yourselves time and grace.

I will hold an all-hands at [Time today]. I'll answer every question I can and tell you honestly when I can't.

## Practical
- The all-hands details: [Time, link, recording]
- Anonymous question form: [Link]
- Manager guidance for today's 1:1s: [Link]
- Press / external statement: [Will be sent / has been sent at time]

This is on me. I'm sorry.

— [CEO]