A THIRD of bosses are likely to make redundancies before the end of the year, according to a study by Acas today.

The prospect of job losses is higher among large businesses, with three in five saying they would be making cuts, the conciliation service found.

Acas said its survey of over 2,000 employers indicated that one in four were unaware of the law around consulting staff before making redundancies.

For businesses that are likely to make redundancies, over a quarter said that they plan to do this remotely via video chat or phone call.

Acas chief executive Susan Clews said: “Businesses are facing extremely difficult circumstances due to the coronavirus crisis and our poll reveals that many are considering redundancies.

“Acas advice for bosses is to exhaust all possible alternatives to redundancies first, but if employers feel they have no choice then they must follow the law in this area.

“Our survey reveals that a third of small businesses do not know about their legal responsibilities on consulting staff when considering redundancies.

“It is important for them to act responsibly and follow our advice or they could be subject to a costly legal process.”

Acas pointed out that if an employer finds there are no other choices than to make redundancies, there are strict rules on consulting staff that they must follow.

If consultation requirements are not met, workers can take their employer to an employment tribunal.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Ministers must urgently work with unions and business on a wider support package for the hardest-hit parts of the economy. 

“Industries like aviation, retail, the arts and hospitality need targeted help now.”

A government spokesman said: “Our support for business has reached, and continues to reach, millions of firms.”