« Back

UASA retrenchment seminar

If the thought of retrenchment sends shivers down your spine, you will once again be glad you are a UASA member!

A new approach to retrenchment

UASA is ensuring that unions negotiate a social programme, including a retrenchment seminar, with all employers. Gone are the days when retrenchment left employees in the cold and in the dark, and employers simply took profits without any forward cover and no regard for their employees or the social instability retrenchments caused. The programme includes assisting the employer through the entire process, dealing with retrenchment professionally and training the employer to handle the retrenchment in a humane and respectful way. In addition, employers who have adopted this social programme will pay for their retrenched employees to attend a retrenchment seminar to equip these employees for life after retrenchment.

Opportunity is the name of the game

As South Africans, we are resilient and quick to see opportunities. UASA has created this retrenchment seminar to assist those who have been retrenched to tap into their own resilience and resourcefulness. The goal is to turn the trauma of retrenchment into an exciting opportunity for a new life.

Understanding retrenchment

The seminar is structured around four important aspects. The first focuses on dealing with the emotional and psychological trauma of retrenchment, with specific attention to changing the perception that retrenchment is shameful to an understanding that this chance represents an exciting opportunity.

Marketability in the job market

The second aspect covers the marketability of the job applicant in the market and covers skills such as writing a CV and how to handle interviews. Should you choose to re-enter the job market, this section of the seminar will equip you to look for the right position, handle yourself professionally through your CV and in interviews and the negotiate the right remuneration package and benefits.

Your own business?

Thirdly, the seminar opens the possibility of self-employment. 40% of South Africa’s population is unemployed, while 70% of the unemployed are youths. This means that the closer we get to retirement age, the less likely it becomes that we will be employed. This may be good or bad news, but if you are equipped with the right skills, it creates a great opportunity to become self-employed.

The seminar guides delegates through the basics – how to select a business that suits your personality, which business opportunities are available and how franchise opportunities may be the right solution for you. In addition, you will have access to the know-how on creating a business plan, getting finance and running a company.

The money issue

Last, but most importantly, the seminar offers guidance regarding the use of your retrenchment package and pension. The golden rule is to NEVER use your pension money to start a business, but to put your severance package to good use to start your own business, while protecting your retirement income.

Of course, if you have taken advantage of the UFS Retrenchment Insurance, you will have the additional peace of mind of an income of up to R6,000.00 over three months after forced retrenchment while you remain unemployed. The Retrenchment Insurance includes accident cover and savings and will go along way to assisting you as you start your own business.

As a UASA member, retrenchment can be a life-changing opportunity instead of a traumatic experience!