If you work for the public sector there is no need to remind you of the headline figures from this week's comprehensive spending review — you'll already be well aware of the uncertain future which lies ahead.
The scale of expected job losses was inadvertently revealed to the world when the prying lenses of Westminster paparazzi photographed key passages in Treasury documents — and subsequent announcements from George Osborne will have done little to quell fears of those affected by the cuts.
Although the chancellor insisted many of the job losses would be achieved by leaving vacant posts unfilled, he also said some redundancies would be inevitable.
It isn't just public sector workers who face losing their jobs — cuts are set to hit the private sector too — a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates that nearly 500,000 private sector jobs will go as a direct result of reduced public spending.
So, if you fear you may be affected by redundancies in either sector, we are running a live Q&A to offer you practical advice and information about every aspect of redundancy — so whether you are worried about losing your job, if you want to know your rights, or if you'd like to know more about finding a new job, join our panel of experts on October 27 at 1pm.
Our panel:
Philip Landau is a partner and employment lawyer at Landau Zeffertt Weir. He represents employees at all levels and writes on legal issues in the workplace, including redundancy, unfair dismissal, breach of contract and discrimination.
Andrew Cowler and Michelle Scammell are joining us from Acas, a service which aims to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations. Andrew is Acas helpline manager for Bristol and Michelle is a Acas helpline tutor. The Acas Helpline provides confidential, independent and impartial advice for employers and employees who are involved in an employment dispute, or who are seeking information on employment rights and rules.
Jackie Keddy is co-author of Managing Conflict at Work. A former detective chief inspector, Jackie now practices as a mediator and conflict coach as well as being a director of Keddy Consultants. Jackie also co-founded the International Conflict Management Forum.
Clare Whitmell is a qualified business communication trainer who specialises in writing and presentation skills coaching. She also blogs CV writing and job hunting tips on JobMarketSuccess.com
David Bateson is director of Cardinal Resourcing Group and of Heyman Woodworth, a company which specialises in placing people with an armed forces background in executive leadership and managerial positions.
• This article was amended on 9 March 2012 to remove a name from the panel list
