Janh, horrible when life dips and turns, just when you least expect it.
October has often been the month of unexpected bad news for me. I am really sorry this is happening.
I don't know what practical words of comfort to give. I don't know much about the IT job market, but I do know loads of people on mumsnet (and their partners) are really clued up about this, so I hope you can tap into their knowledge.
In my line of work - advertising - redunancies are fairly common. I have been made redundant 3 or 4 times. Each time it left me worried and shaken to varying degrees, especially when I was made redundant at the age of 44. This is an old age for advertising agency employees. Most staff are in their 20s and 30s, except the directors. For me the answer was to pick up some freelance work and see how I could use my skills elsewhere. I decided to try for a job in the public sector. I knew of I kept on trying for ad agency jobs, I would not be up against an invisible age barrier. One recruitment consultant told me whatever he did, many agencies simply rejected cvs from people who were over 40 years old.
I now work for a local council and so many of my colleagues are in their 40s, 50s and 60s. It is really refreshing to see people being valued whatever their age. My salary is comparable with my old salary. Even local councils are realising that they have to pay for specific skills. There is also a lot of training offered. I am so glad I made the move.
I don't know if your dh would want to look for a public sector job, but if he is worried about his age, then I am sure this is a route to consider.