Consultation is a must if you plan to lose more than 20 staff and is good practice anyway.

Employers who treat their staff with respect in difficult times will benefit.

Employees have long memories. If treated badly by their employers, they will make sure that people know.

If employees are at risk of being made redundant, consider them for other available roles within the company.

Make sure that employees who are not affected are also kept informed.

They too will be worried about their jobs. If they feel insecure, they may start looking around.

If you have to make significant reductions in staffing, recognised trade union officials will act as staff representatives.

Don't forget affected staff who do not have union representation. You can help the communication and consultation process by asking employees to nominate representatives.