Another local redundancy round: what to do first

A well-known electrical company in Gloucestershire has confirmed it's cutting 33 jobs. As with most local redundancy stories, the reasons given are commercial — not a sign of a wider industry collapse. But if you're one of the 33, or you work somewhere that feels similarly shaky, the headline matters a lot more than it does to anyone just scrolling past it.

What this actually tells you

One regional job loss story doesn't mean the electrical or trades sector is in trouble. Companies restructure, lose contracts, or change direction for reasons specific to them. The lesson here isn't about the sector — it's about how quickly a stable-looking job can change, and how much better it is to be ready before that happens rather than after.

If you're affected, or worried you might be

• Update your CV now, not after the leaving date. It's far easier to write about a role while you're still in it, with the details fresh.
• Get your references and evidence lined up. Certificates, performance reviews, project outcomes — gather them while you still have easy access.
• Check what you're entitled to. Redundancy pay, notice periods and any support your employer offers vary, so read your contract or ask HR directly rather than guessing.
• Widen your search early. If you're in a trade or technical role, nearby employers, contractors and agencies often hear about openings before they're advertised.

Don't let the CV become an afterthought

When redundancy happens, people often rush the next application just to get something moving. That's understandable, but a generic CV sent to ten different employers usually performs worse than a tailored one sent to three. Each role — even within the same trade — tends to emphasise different skills, certifications or project types. A CV written for a site-based maintenance role won't land the same way for a contracts or supervisory position.

A practical starting point

Look at two or three job adverts you're actually interested in and note which skills and requirements repeat. That's usually a strong signal of what to foreground on your CV, regardless of how your current employer described your job internally.

Redundancy is unsettling, but it's also a natural point to take stock of what you've actually learned and done — often more than the old job title suggests. FixMyCV tailors your CV to the specific role you're applying for, without ever inventing experience you don't have.

Source: Punchline-Gloucester.com. FixMyCV summarises and comments; we never reproduce articles.