The veterinary profession is currently facing a significant challenge: redundancies. With large corporate groups like IVC Evidensia and Linnaeus announcing workforce restructuring plans reducing up to 3% of their workforce, many veterinarians are understandably concerned about job security.
Redundancies can create a ripple effect of uncertainty, leaving veterinarians wondering how best to navigate this evolving landscape. This post will guide you through the situation, offering practical advice and support.
Why Are Veterinary Redundancies Happening?
Several factors are driving the recent redundancies in the veterinary sector, especially within corporate groups.
- Post-pandemic reality: The surge in pet ownership during the pandemic created unprecedented demand for veterinary services. As life returns to normal, this demand has begun to stabilise, leaving some practices overstaffed.
- Economic pressures: Inflation and the rising cost of living are impacting both veterinary businesses and pet owners. Practices may be looking to cut costs, while clients may be reducing their spending on pet care.
- Corporate restructuring: Large veterinary groups are constantly evolving their business models and utilising advancing technology to fulfil some veterinary job roles. This can involve streamlining operations, merging practices, and sometimes, unfortunately, making roles redundant.
- Changing client expectations: Clients are increasingly demanding more complex and specialised services, which can lead to a shift in staffing needs within practices. Routine and emergency care remain critical, but the demand for non-essential services has fluctuated.
Steps to Take If You Are Facing Redundancy
If you are affected by redundancy or believe you may be at risk, here are some key steps you can take:
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Stay Calm and Seek Clarity
The first step is to stay calm and gather all the necessary information. If your employer announces redundancies, ensure you understand the process. Employers are usually required by law to follow a clear procedure, including offering consultations and considering alternative roles within the company. Ask for detailed information about why the redundancy is occurring, how many people are affected, and what support is available to you.
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Review Your Employment Rights
In most countries, employees have a number of rights if being made redundant. These include receiving statutory redundancy pay (if you’ve worked for your employer for two years or more), a notice period, and time off to look for new work.
Ensure you are aware of your legal entitlements and seek advice from organisations such as your national veterinary association if needed.
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Update Your CV and Online Presence
Once redundancy becomes a possibility, it’s essential to be proactive. Begin by updating your CV to reflect your most recent experience, skills, and achievements. Highlight any specialities or niche skills that may make you more attractive to future employers.
Additionally, ensure your online professional profiles, such as LinkedIn, are up to date. This can help you connect with recruiters and practices that are hiring.
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Expand Your Job Search
The veterinary job market is competitive, but there are still opportunities out there. Consider broadening your job search to include roles in different geographical areas or sectors. For instance, locum veterinary work is in high demand and can offer flexibility while you search for a permanent position.
Whilst economic conditions in some countries fluctuate, the global demand for veterinarians is still very strong with job shortages in many countries. Countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia & New Zealand have both a shortage of veterinarians and high-paying positions – especially if you are flexible with where in the country you are willing to work.
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Reach Out to Your Network
Networking is crucial during times of job uncertainty. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts to let them know you are exploring new opportunities. Many roles are filled through word of mouth, so maintaining a strong professional network can increase your chances of finding a new position quickly.
Don’t hesitate to attend industry events or join veterinary associations to expand your network further.
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Consider Upskilling or Specialising
Veterinary medicine is a constantly evolving field, and developing new skills can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Consider undertaking additional training or certifications in high-demand specialist veterinary job areas such as anaesthesiology, ophthalmology, pathology and radiology, or even working with exotic animals.
Alternatively, specialising in an emerging fields like telemedicine could open up new career avenues. There are several CPD (Continuing Professional Development) opportunities available online that can enhance your skillset and boost your employability.
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Utilise a Veterinary Recruitment Agency
Utilising a specialist veterinary recruitment agency can be a great way to reduce the stress of finding a new job. These specialist advisers will speak to you about your ideal role and work hard with their network of veterinary job providers to find the right fit for your needs.
And the best thing is it’s 100% free for veterinary job seekers!
Vet Job Redundancies: Opportunities on the Horizon
While redundancies are undoubtedly challenging, it’s important to remain optimistic about the future. The veterinary sector continues to evolve, and while economic challenges are creating some instability, there are still many opportunities for skilled professionals. Whether you choose to explore locum work, expand into a new speciality, or try working abroad, there are lots of pathways forward.
Remember, redundancy is not the end of your career – it’s a chance to pivot, adapt, and potentially find new opportunities that better align with your long-term goals.
Register with Global Veterinary Job Agency The Vet Service today to start your journey to find your ideal veterinary role.
