What To Do If Your Construction Employer Goes into Administration

The construction industry can be volatile, and unfortunately, sometimes construction companies go into administration. This can leave employees in a difficult position, unsure of what to do next. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to take action quickly to protect yourself and your finances.

Protect Your Finances

The first step is to ensure that you receive any unpaid wages or benefits owed to you. When a company goes into administration, it can be challenging to recover money owed, but you have rights as an employee. You may need to speak to the administrator or seek legal advice to ensure that you receive what you are owed. It’s important to act quickly, as the longer you wait, the harder it may be to recover your money.

If you’re an employee in Australia there are a few steps you can take to try to recover what is owed to you.

Firstly, you should make a claim with the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) scheme. The FEG scheme is a government program that provides financial assistance to employees who have lost their jobs as a result of their employer entering into liquidation or bankruptcy. The scheme can provide payment for unpaid wages, annual leave, long service leave, and other entitlements, up to certain limits.

To make a claim with the FEG scheme, you will need to provide evidence of your employment and the amounts owing to you, such as payslips or employment contracts. You can apply online or by phone, and the FEG team will assess your claim and advise you of the outcome.

If your claim is not covered by the FEG scheme, or if you are owed amounts in excess of the scheme’s limits, you may need to pursue legal action against your former employer. This could involve making a claim in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) or the Federal Circuit Court, depending on the amount owed and the circumstances of your case.

Before taking legal action, it’s important to seek legal advice to understand your options and the potential costs and risks involved.

Take time to decide what’s next

While your immediate focus may be on securing unpaid wages or benefits, it’s also important to think about the future and what options are available for reemployment.

Before you rush into securing a new job, if you have the luxury of time up your sleeve, it can be helpful to really consider what you’d like to do next.

For example, think about the type of projects you want to work on, the size of the company you’d like to join, their culture, and other factors that are important to you. This can help you to make more informed decisions about your future career path and avoid repeating any negative experiences you may have had with your former employer.

You may want to consider whether you prefer to work on large or small-scale projects, or whether you prefer to work for a well-established company or a startup. You may also want to think about the company culture and values, and whether they align with your own.

Other factors to consider may include the location of the company, the opportunities for career growth and development, and the type of work-life balance you’re looking for. It can be helpful to create a list of these factors and prioritise them based on their importance to you, as this can help you to make more focused and informed decisions.

Ultimately, taking the time to consider your next move carefully can help you to avoid making rash decisions or accepting a job that may not be the right fit for you. It can also help you to regain a sense of control and direction in your career after the uncertainty and stress of losing your job due to your employer’s financial difficulties.

Look for a new job

Once you’ve outlined what you’d like to do next, it’s time to start looking for a new job. This can be a daunting prospect, but there are steps you can take to increase your chances of finding work quickly. Firstly, make sure that your CV is up to date and tailored to the jobs you are applying for (except on Conecta – you don’t need to tailor your CV). Highlight your experience in the construction industry and any relevant qualifications or certifications you hold.

There are several ways to increase your chances of finding new employment.

One option is to connect with recruiters who specialise in the construction industry. These recruiters can help match your skills and experience with relevant job openings and can often provide valuable insights into current trends and opportunities in the industry. Additionally, recruiters may have access to job openings that aren’t listed on traditional job boards, giving you an advantage over other job seekers.

Another way is to leverage your network for referrals. This could include former colleagues, industry contacts, or even friends and family members who work in the construction industry. By letting your network know that you’re looking for new employment opportunities, you may be able to tap into unadvertised job openings or gain valuable insights into companies and roles that might be a good fit for you.

Finally, niche job marketplaces like Conecta can be a valuable resource for job seekers in the construction industry. We provide specialised searches for construction management roles, making it easier to find relevant job openings. You also get direct access to the person doing the hiring from the employer such as the Director, Construction Manager or Internal Recruitment Team dependant on the size of the company. It also puts you in the drivers seat of your own applications – you know which companies are receiving your CV (and stops the same ones receiving it multiple times from different avenues).

To further expand the roles you can apply for, it’s also worth considering other roles in the full built environment, such as client side, subcontractors, architects, etc.

Ultimately, the key to finding a new role in the construction industry is to be proactive and open to new opportunities. Networking with industry contacts, updating your CV and skillset, and considering alternative roles and career paths can all help you to find a new role quickly and effectively.

Take care of yourself

It’s essential to take care of yourself during this challenging time. Losing your job can be stressful and overwhelming. Make sure you take time to look after your mental and physical health, whatever that means for you, and seek professional support when you need it.

Self-care involves making time for yourself and engaging in activities that are nurturing and rejuvenating. Here are some examples of self-care practices that you can use to take care of yourself after losing your job:

1. Get Enough Sleep: Getting enough restful sleep is important for your overall health and well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help you feel refreshed and energized.

2. Exercise: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood. It can also help you stay healthy and energized during your job search. Try to engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day.

3. Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet can help you feel better both physically and emotionally. Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you reduce stress and improve your mental health. You can practice mindfulness through activities like meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few minutes to focus on your breathing.

5. Do Things You Enjoy: Engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment can help you feel happier and more content. This could be anything from reading a book to taking a walk in nature to spending time with friends.

6. Take Breaks: It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and reduce stress. Take time to step away from your job search and do something relaxing, like taking a bath or watching a movie.

7. Connect with Others: Social support is important for your mental health and well-being. Make time to connect with friends and family, or join a support group for people who are experiencing similar challenges.

Reaching out for support can be especially helpful during this time: Talk to friends and family about how you are feeling. Seek professional help if you need it. Connect you with your GP, counsellors or therapists who can help you manage stress and anxiety.

Self-care looks different for everyone. What’s most important is finding activities and practices that work for you and make you feel good and remember that losing your job does not define you.

Additional resources:
Construction Management Salary Guide
Conecta Jobs
Conecta Job Resources

Get in Touch with Conecta’s Customer Success Manager:
[email protected]
0421 252 676

Conclusion

Losing your job when your construction management company goes into administration can be a challenging time, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your future. By taking action quickly to recover any unpaid wages, taking the time to decide your next step and networking with contacts in the industry, you can find a new career path that suits you. Remember to take care of yourself during this challenging time and stay focused on your goals. With the right mindset, you can overcome this setback and continue to thrive.

Construction companies are hiring on Conecta. Create a free profile to view and apply directly to each employer.

Support Services

If you or anyone you know need mental health support services please contact:

Life Line Australia
Call: 13 11 14
SMS: 0477 131 114

Mates In Construction
1300 642 111