How to Decide Between Redundancy and Relocation (UK 2026)

Why this matters

Relocation-or-redundancy decisions are common during UK corporate restructures (especially when offices consolidate to London or specific hubs). The decision affects family, finances, and career simultaneously. Candidates who decide on financial grounds alone often regret the family impact; candidates who decide on family grounds alone often miss material financial benefit.

Step-by-step

1. 1 Calculate the relocation package value: cash, expenses, settling-in support, schools assistance
2. 2 Calculate redundancy package value: ex-gratia, notice, outplacement, tax-free portion
3. 3 Factor in cost-of-living differences in the relocation city
4. 4 Consider partner's career and earning potential at new location
5. 5 Consider family disruption: schools, friends, support network
6. 6 Take 7-14 days to decide — don't decide in the first meeting
7. 7 Negotiate the package on either side — both have negotiation room

Common mistakes

• ✗Deciding on pure financial calculation without family impact
• ✗Underestimating cost-of-living differences (London vs north for instance)
• ✗Not negotiating the relocation package — typically has 20-30% headroom
• ✗Accepting the first offered relocation timeline — most negotiate
• ✗Not factoring in partner earning potential and career disruption