Protecting yourself from redundancy and unemployment

As reported by BBC News, even MI5 is subjecting its staff to a programme of compulsory and voluntary redundancies because they lack computer skills.

Similar to many organisations in the public sector, MI5 is now faced with funding cuts and the need to control costs.

Director of MI5, Jonathan Evans, said: "I think some of the staff perhaps aren't quite the ones that we will want for the future." The Intelligence and Security Committee said that the service has been reviewing its staff and is concerned with the level of IT proficiency among some of its staff members.

Patrick Mercer, Chairman of the counter-terrorism subcommittee of the Parliament, is supportive of the move to let go some of the MI5 staff who do not know how to use the computer well.

"Counter-terrorism officers have to adapt to keep up...We need people from all walks of life who can speak a range of languages and possess certain technical skills," he said.

Despite the gradual picking up of consumer sentiments and the overall recovery of Britain's economy, the threat of unemployment and redundancy continues to cause concerns among some, especially those who are older or less qualified for their jobs.

In addition, many teenagers or even fresh graduates are faced with unemployment as they lack competitive sector experience.

No doubt it is a difficult and unfortunate situation to be in, but there are ways to combat unemployment or redundancy, in addition to seeking benefits for the unemployed:

Job search: be patient but determined in your job search. The longer you wait, the less confident you become, and the harder it takes to regain a job of your preference. Consult the Back to Work section of the government website which contains comprehensive information on job search tactics and links to online resources.

Some people find volunteering a good way to make use of their time when unemployed and to develop new social networks and skills. The process will also help them become better positioned to acquire a new job. Consult Volunteering England's website for details.

Professional retraining: acquiring new skills, especially sector-specific knowledge, would help you improve your job profile. For example, there are a few government retraining schemes that may help you with identifying and acquiring the necessary skills to land your next job.

See your situation positively, as it provides you with a chance for career change and time to brush up your skills and qualifications for your next step.

Save more: cut down on all unnecessary expenses and bills, and better control your budget for accommodation and groceries. Check out websites such as vouchercodes.co.uk and moneysavingexpert.com for ongoing discounts and vouchers for your retail purchases and groceries.

Support from friends: a healthy immediate social network is helpful when it comes to job search or referral. Sometimes, friends can also help in ways much more than you imagined.

For example, some people find it useful to cut down on flat rentals and bills by staying with a friend temporarily.

The rapport from friends is also a source of personal strength and confidence.

Support from organisations: there are many non-profit organisations in the country dedicated to helping the unemployed. Prime Initiative, for example, offers free information, events, and training so that older people who are off work can regain their financial security by starting a business.

In addition to the above, some people find it helpful to give themselves additional financial security by investing in an income protection insurance plan. A policy as such can help by providing recurrent payouts to the individual should he or she become off work owing to sickness, accident, or be made involuntarily unemployed.

Getting back to work is easier said than done, however, with determination and forward planning, one can even emerge from the unpleasant situation with a much better-off profile and a more satisfying profession.