To make people redundant before Christmas?

[Beforeorafterchristmas]

Hello,

I have a bit of a conundrum and wondering what people would prefer in their situation. I have to lay off ALL my staff (8 in total) because the business is just not profitable anymore. I can maybe last 1-2 more months but then the money is gone. So, I need to tell everyone that they’re going to be made redundant... I’m absolutely gutted and I want to minimise the impact on everyone as much as possible.

So, do I tell everyone now?
OR tell everyone as soon as we come back from Christmas break on 2nd January, closing down on the 31st January?

I feel like if I was an employee I’d want to know ASAP so I could start looking for another job... but is it just going to ruin everyone’s Christmas?

I feel so sick, I’m at a loss! What do you think is the right thing to do?

Tell them now.

Tell them ASAP. They have more time to find a new job

I feel for you OP - tell them now. You are doing the best you can do for them.

This is why I always suggest that people never be loyal to an employer - they can easily make you redundant. I know you have no choice OP and you seem like a decent person.

Larger employers do not give a toss.

Thinking of you all

I was mad redundant just after Christmas, and it felt awful knowing that all the time I ws celebrating, it was hanging over me and I didn't even know. I would rather have known. Not everyone will agree and you will be accused of spoiling Christmas, but if the business is closing people need to know as soon as possible.

There is a whole “ChrIstMaS iS A MagiCaL TimE thAt muSt NoT bE SpoIlEd” taboo. It’s one day. Tell them. As other posters have said they can apply for temp jobs etc. Also, bankrupting yourself to “keep Christmas Magical” also isn’t a great idea. Good luck to both you and them. You are a kind and considerate boss.

No time is good. Now does mean that people can start looking for a job and if they wish, spend less on Christmas.

Dh had to make a person redundant , but he thought sooner rather than later ( shortly before Christmas ) - not nice & he was not happy after meeting ) normally OK but did not like it . but it is also unhappy for the person who has to do it - but give them a time to plan what they need to do It's horrid thing @Beforeorafterchristmas

OP, I have had to tell people of their redundancy and it is not a nice thing to do. The only thing is that by being everyone no one will think there is any favouritism.

Certainly sooner rather than later but please follow ACAS procecedure so you reduce risks of future claims.