Marks and Spencer is drawing up plans to reduce its redundancy benefits.

There has been a fall of 9,000 in the number of people in employment between the ages of 50 and 65, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.

Morale and motivation are bound to be damaged by redundancies but if handled with care the worst effects can be mitigated, keeping the employer brand intact.

<b>The workplace warrior takes up the sword of truth to sound off about shoddy ways of firing people</b>

Redundancies always need sensitive handling. But will legal changes step up the pressure on HR? Janet Gaymer explains

Even in Roman times Columella realised that people respond to being looked after and rewarded, says Richard Donkin

An EU-wide legal framework for informing and consulting employees is back on the agenda. Janet Gaymer explains