Certain employers offer outplacement services to staff to help them along a career path after they leave work. Outplacement services are usually offered by human resources (HR) or recruitment professionals and there are various levels of the service. Apart from giving people career advice, some major outplacement organisations provide basic information on social welfare or how to invest your money if you are getting lump-sum redundancy.

In today's vibrant economy, redundancy can be a shock to the system. Having someone to talk to about the reality of the situation can lighten the load and help workers conquer their fears about tomorrow. As well as looking for a new job, people have concerns about paying the mortgage, educating their family and so on.

There are areas in which redundant workers find it difficult to get jobs and this is where outplacement can help people move on. It's also very useful for those who might have been with a company for a decade and haven't updated their qualifications.

Men in their 40s who fall into that category typically require support. In some instances it can take up to a year to get placed or move into another area.

So does outplacement really work for people in helping them get jobs after redundancy? Bryan Hoey, a HR consultant who offers outplacement services, thinks it does. "Outplacement can open up new avenues for people because good outplacement is not just about career development, it's about life coaching, " he says.

Deirdre Moore, a director of Celtic Careers, says some people decide to pursue further education or take time out to evaluate other options.

"In some cases individuals can pursue opportunities due to additional finances being available as a result of redundancy, " she adds.

All sorts of companies offer outplacement services to departing employees, but outplacement can also be initiated by people who decide they want a change in their lives. If people are in receipt of a lump-sum redundancy package, they might decide to invest in their own future.

"Some people call it career development; some people call it career planning. You can actually outplace yourself by seeking that sort of career development advice and finding out where to go, " Hoey explains.

Many people who use outplacement services to help them decide what to do with their lives post-redundancy or post-retirement find they can turn a hobby into a career. The new job, however, must be something that can pay the bills. Upping sticks to a remote island without the family may seem like a great idea at the time, but will it seem such a fantastic idea a year down the line?

It makes financial sense for organisations to provide outplacement as part of their HR , , it means existing employees feel more secure and a caring image of the company is portrayed to clients.

THE WAY FORWARD Outplacement involves:

a professional assessment/analysis;

techniques to ensure success;

awareness of the marketplace;

self-marketing; and the search process.

"When the programme is completed, the individual will be equipped with the job-seeking skills necessary for today's rapidly changing job market. He or she will be able to identify hidden strengths as well as possible weaknesses where further education may be required. The goal of the programme is to allow each employee make an educated decision regarding his or her future career path, " Moore explains.

"The role of a good outplacement service is to help people stand on their own feet if they have been made redundant, " Hoey remarks.