THE almost daily announcement of redundancies and layoffs over the past months brings back the spectre of the terrible 1980s, of little hope and lots of emigration. Is the situation different this time around?

The answer can be "yes" provided the right action is taken. On the positive side, the economy is much stronger and this provides opportunities to deal with the trauma of redundancy in a different way.

In addition, the concept of establishing your own business is much more readily accepted today than it was in the 1980s.

The structure of companies is also different. More and more businesses are seeking to outsource services previously operated from within.

This has long been the norm in the high-tech sector. However, industries in the more traditional sectors are catching on to this idea. In the US, outsourcing is the fasted growth sector in the economy.

There are many examples where individuals have been let go and have been contracted back to supply services to the companies that they have left.

This has benefits for the company and the individual. Firstly, the company retains the knowledge and expertise while reducing the cost.

Secondly, the individual is given a strong start in their new business, providing them with that vital cash flow and the time to develop their services and customer base.

This can be an important issue in the negotiation of redundancy packages.

The range of services currently being outsourced is vast, and covers areas such as human resource management, catering, mechanical/electrical services, IT, sub-assembly, transport and logistics, design, security and janitorial services.

Indeed, since the 1980s the range of support services provided by the State has also been reorganised. The County Enterprise Boards, for example, have been established.

They provide very useful advice on start-up, business planning and financing the new business. They also assist in monetary terms and with advice in relation to feasibility studies.

Larger start-ups, particularly those with export potential, can be assisted by Enterprise Ireland. Area-based partnerships, business innovation centres, leader groups and banks can give other supports.

Information on these organisations and their support packages can be obtained from the internet, local libraries or directly from the agencies.

Of course not everyone has the desire to establish his/her own service or business.

Opportunities may readily exist for employment elsewhere, for taking up further educational opportunities - which are much more readily available nowadays - or for a change of career

No matter what is decided, good advice is essential and should be sought from the outset.

The important thing is that the individual turns the trauma of redundancy into a positive experience and does not allow it to become a debilitating event.

The steps for doing this are:

to believe in a positive outcome;

to ensure that entitlements in terms of redundancy are fully maximised;

to ensure that time is taken to consider the range of options available;

to ensure that good advice is sought and listened to; and

to ensure that a realistic plan is established that brings the individual to the next stage.

Many who have suffered the trauma of redundancy will say that it was one of the major positive turning points in their life.

These are generally the people who have carefully considered the options and taken positive action to address the challenges facing them.

Tom McGuinness is chief executive of the Irish Productivity Centre