Layoff survival and switch kit

Laid off: the first 14 days, and the switch

What to get in writing before you leave, the money you are owed and how it is taxed, what happens to your health cover, your pension and your visa, how to tell the story, and a twelve week plan. Written for ten markets, every figure sourced. Free, all five sections.

Layoff kitPublished 20 September 2026·Every figure checked 21 September 2026·48 min read
3 weeks
Germany: to file at the labour court after a written dismissal, and it is absolute
German labour law, checked 21 Sep 2026
60 days
United States: to elect COBRA health cover, then 45 more to pay the first premium
US Department of Labor, checked 21 Sep 2026
£22,530
United Kingdom: maximum statutory redundancy pay from 6 April 2026
Increase of Limits Order 2026
11.4 weeks
Median time unemployed in the US, Aug 2026. Over a quarter pass 27 weeks
BLS Table A-12, 4 Sep 2026
Section 01

The first 14 days

Free

You have just been told, or you are about to be. Everything below is here because it is time limited or hard to reverse, and it is in the order it matters.

Get this one wrong slowly

Do not resign, and do not sign a "mutual separation" or "voluntary" letter in the meeting. In most countries resignation removes your notice pay, your redundancy or retrenchment money, and in several of them your unemployment benefit. A friendlier label offered for signing today is usually what costs you.

Hour 0 to hour 1: still in the room

Keep reading. This one is free.

Create a free account and this section, every country guide and the basic guides open straight away. No card, and you land back on this paragraph.

Continue reading, freeTakes a few seconds. Nothing to download.
Section 02

The money you are owed

Free
Continues with Sign in.Sign in free
From EDZER
Job Application Support
Postings are down 5% and every role has a queue. We can apply for you.

Our team sources, shortlists and applies for 30 days, adjusting your résumé to each recurring requirement. A qualifying interview call within 90 days, or the fee comes back.

Get the interview guaranteePriced by your years of experience, billed monthly
Section 03

Insurance, pension and the visa clock

Free
Continues with Sign in.Sign in free
Section 04

The story: CV, profile and the interview answer

Free
Continues with Sign in.Sign in free
Section 05

The 90 day plan back

Free
Continues with Sign in.Sign in free
Send this to someone who needs it
edzer.ai/job-market/layoff-kit
EDZERedzer.ai · EDZER Education Pvt. Ltd.© 2026 EDZER Education Pvt. Ltd. Reads on site only; not for download or redistribution.