Voluntary redundancy update

As part of our plan to stabilise the financial position of Southampton City Council, employees who expressed an interest in voluntary redundancy have now been informed of the outcome of their applications, following the closure of the consultation process on Friday 28 July

252 expressions of interest were received, with over 75% being made by staff members on council pay scales between grades 5-10.

Of the 252 applications, 67 were agreed. Decisions were based on core criteria that ensure that the council can still provide statutory services by retaining key staff members, with the exit payment delivering value for money by creating a saving over no more than two years.

To ensure business continuity, final leaving dates are still to be agreed with some staff members.  The total estimated cost of redundancy payments is £2.69m, with potential savings of £4.94m by March 2026 and £2m for each year thereafter.  

Southampton City Council Chief Executive, Mike Harris, said:

“The voluntary redundancy process has been one of a number of steps we are taking to address our financial challenge. One objective was for this process to also be the catalyst for the further redesign of services and activities to achieve further savings within this financial year and beyond.

“We took into consideration the value for money of the exit payment, the impact of the loss of the post, both to the service and to the rest of the council, and the need to retain the skills and experience that the post brings, in the way that the service is currently delivered.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all colleagues who registered their interest in being considered for voluntary redundancy.”