We do enjoy a euphemism. People are released…. not sacked, dismissed, redundant, cut, discarded, severed…

Usually there are very good business reasons such as reduced sales/income, cessation of a product or service, relocation of an operation, or a need to bring in new skills and space is being created to accommodate them.

Explained clearly and openly, the move will be accepted even if it will not be liked. UK law requires consultation and a genuine effort to offset the impacts of a decision to reduce headcount through redundancy. One aspect of these discussions might be outplacement support, even if there are larger numbers.

Outplacement in an online world- Free Paper