Job relocation: What you need to know

by Amber Rolfe

Considering a move for work? 

Whether your employer’s relocating or you’re chasing a new opportunity across the country, job relocation is a big decision that’ll impact more than just your career. 

From understanding your rights to weighing up the financial implications, here’s everything you need to know before you pack up your life and start fresh somewhere new:

What is job relocation?

Job relocation is when you move to a new area for work. This could happen because your employer’s moving offices and asking you to relocate with them, or because you’ve chosen to pursue opportunities in a different city or region.

Sometimes relocation means moving to another part of the same company. Other times, it’s about starting fresh with a new employer in a new location entirely.

Your rights when your employer relocates

Understanding mobility clauses

The first thing you’ll want to do is dig out your employment contract and check whether it includes a ‘mobility clause’. This is a term that says you have to move to wherever your employer asks you to, within certain specified limits.

If you’ve got a mobility clause in your contract, your employer can legally require you to relocate, as long as:

• The request falls within the limits set out in the clause
• They give you reasonable notice (not just a day or two)
• The request itself is reasonable

What’s reasonable? Well, asking you to relocate to another country with only one day’s notice definitely isn’t. But being asked to move to a nearby city with a few months’ notice might be.

If there’s no mobility clause in your contract, you can choose whether or not to relocate. Your employer can’t force you to move.

What happens if you refuse to relocate

If you decide not to move with your employer, you might face redundancy. Whether you’ll get redundancy pay depends on several factors:

• How long you’ve worked for your employer
• Whether you’ve ‘unreasonably’ refused a suitable alternative offer
• The specifics of your situation

There’s no fixed distance that makes a refusal reasonable or unreasonable. It comes down to your individual circumstances. Refusing to move a few miles away when you could easily drive or take public transport will likely be seen as unreasonable. But refusing a move that involves a difficult commute, disrupts your family life, or affects your children’s education could well be considered reasonable.

If your refusal is deemed reasonable, you should still be entitled to redundancy pay. If it’s unreasonable, your employer could refuse to pay.

Protection for pregnant employees and new parents

If you’re pregnant or recently returned from maternity, shared parental, or adoption leave, you’re entitled to extra protection. Your employer must offer you any suitable alternative vacancies first, before offering them to other staff members who are also facing redundancy.

Maternity and paternity leave: What you need to know

Your right to a trial period

When you’re facing redundancy and offered an alternative role (whether it’s in a new location or not), you have the right to a four-week trial period. This gives you time to decide if the new job suits you before committing.

If you need more time to train for the role, you can agree a longer trial period in writing. Just make sure it has a clear end date.

During this trial period, if you decide the role isn’t suitable, you can leave without having to give additional notice and you’ll still be entitled to redundancy pay (if you meet the other criteria). Once the four-week trial ends and you stay in the role, you’ll lose your right to redundancy pay unless you’d agreed a longer trial period beforehand.

When new owners want to relocate

If your employer’s taken over by another company and the new owners want to relocate, your rights are protected by TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) regulations. This means all your existing rights, including contractual rights and redundancy protection, stay exactly the same. It makes no difference that it’s new ownership introducing the relocation.

What to consider before relocating for work

Job relocation isn’t just about moving house and changing your commute. It affects nearly every aspect of your life, so it’s worth taking time to think through all the implications.

Personal and family considerations

Ask yourself these questions before making a decision:

• Will I enjoy the new role? There’s no point relocating for a job you’ll hate. Make sure the position itself is appealing and offers what you’re looking for.
• What about career progression? Does this move open doors for your career, or could it limit your options?
• Can I afford housing there? Research property prices in the new area. Will you need to sell your home? What’s the rental market like?
• How’s the cost of living? Your salary might stay the same, but if you’re moving to London or another expensive city, your money won’t stretch as far.
• What about the commute? If you’re not moving house, how long will your daily commute be? Is it manageable long-term?
• Will my family be happy? If you’ve got a partner, kids, or other dependents, how will the move affect them? Are there good schools nearby? Will your partner find work?
• What’s the quality of life like? Research the area properly. What amenities does it offer? Will you have access to things you enjoy?

Financial factors

Beyond your salary and housing costs, consider:

• Moving expenses: Removals companies aren’t cheap, and you might need temporary accommodation while you sort things out
• Legal fees: If you’re selling and buying property, solicitor fees add up quickly
• Travel costs: Expect to make several trips to the new area for viewings, interviews, and getting to know the place
• Higher living costs: Everything from groceries to nights out can cost more in certain areas

Relocation packages and financial support

What employers might offer

If your employer’s asking you to relocate, they may (but aren’t legally required to) offer a relocation package. What’s included varies massively depending on the size of the company and the importance of the role, but common benefits include:

• Moving and removal costs
• Legal fees for buying and selling property
• Travel expenses for house hunting trips
• Temporary accommodation while you find somewhere permanent
• Bridging loans if you’re buying before selling
• Subsidy for higher rent or mortgage payments

To find out what’s on offer, speak to your HR team as soon as relocation becomes a possibility. The earlier you ask, the better your chances of negotiating a decent package.

Tax treatment of relocation expenses

Here’s some good news: if your employer helps with relocation costs, up to £8,000 of qualifying expenses can be paid tax-free. This exemption covers:

• Costs of buying or selling a home
• Moving and removal expenses
• Buying certain items for your new home
• Bridging loan costs

To qualify for this tax relief:

• You must be starting a new job with a new employer, or changing your workplace within your current organisation
• Your new home must be reasonably close to your new workplace, and your old home must not be
• The costs must be paid before the end of the tax year after the one in which you started the new job

Any relocation costs above £8,000 may be subject to tax and National Insurance.

Tax codes explained: What you need to know

Questions to ask your employer

Before you agree to relocate, make sure you get clear answers to:

What will my new salary be? Your pay might increase or decrease depending on the location. In some cases, employers offer cost of living adjustments for expensive cities.

Will my role or responsibilities change? Relocation might come with a promotion or a change in duties. Make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for and how it affects your career progression.

What relocation support will you provide? Don’t assume anything. Get details of any financial assistance in writing before you commit.

What about a trial period? Can you try out the new location or role before fully committing? This can be invaluable for making sure it’s the right fit.

Relocating for a new job with a different employer

If you’re choosing to relocate for a new opportunity rather than moving with your current employer, you’ll need to make your situation crystal clear to prospective employers.

How to show you’re serious about relocating

Update your CV and personal statement

Mention your willingness or plan to relocate right in your personal statement. You could say something like ‘Currently based in Manchester and actively seeking opportunities in London’ or ‘Available to relocate anywhere in the UK for the right role’.

Without this, recruiters might assume you live too far away and skip over your application entirely.

Explain your situation in your cover letter

Your cover letter’s the perfect place to elaborate on your relocation plans. Are you returning to your hometown? Moving to be closer to family? Just fancy a fresh start in a new city? Whatever your reason, make it clear.

If you’ve already got specific moving dates lined up, mention them. If you’re flexible on timing, say that too.

Make your availability clear

Employers want people who can interview without too much hassle. Let them know you’re available to travel for interviews, whether that’s anytime or on specific dates when you’ll be in the area. This shows you’re serious and makes you a more attractive option.

Practical tips for a successful relocation

Do your research thoroughly

Don’t rely solely on Google. You should of course look up the area online, but also:

• Visit multiple times, at different times of day and days of the week
• Walk around residential areas you’re considering
• Try out the commute during rush hour
• Check out local amenities, shops, and leisure facilities
• Talk to people who live there

Some employers will subsidise travel costs for house-hunting trips, so ask if this is an option.

Consider commuting as a short-term solution

If the new location’s within commuting distance of your current home (even if it’s a bit of a trek), you might want to commute temporarily while you:

• Get used to the new role
• Find the right area to live in
• Sort out housing arrangements
• Make sure the job’s a good fit

Yes, long commutes are exhausting, but a few months of commuting can be worth it to make sure you’re making the right permanent move.

Have a backup plan

No one likes to think about things going wrong, but what if the relocation doesn’t work out? Before you move, consider:

• Could you return to your old area if needed?
• What other job options exist in the new location?
• Do you have friends or family nearby who could help if you need support?
• What would you do if the new role doesn’t work out?

Having a plan B isn’t pessimistic, it’s sensible.

Build your network before you move

Start connecting with people in your new area before you arrive:

• Join local professional groups on LinkedIn
• Attend sector events in the area
• Reach out to colleagues who’ll be based there
• Join community Facebook groups

The more connections you make before moving, the easier the transition will be.

What is networking?

International relocation

If you’re considering relocating abroad for work, there’s a whole extra layer of complexity to think about.

Visa and right to work requirements

You’ll need to make sure you have the legal right to work in your destination country. This usually means:

• Securing a work visa or permit before you move
• Having your new employer sponsor your application
• Meeting specific skill or salary requirements
• Potentially waiting weeks or months for approval

Check the specific immigration requirements for your destination country well in advance. The process can take much longer than you’d expect.

Healthcare and insurance

Different countries have different healthcare systems. You’ll need to understand:

• How to access healthcare in your new country
• Whether you need private health insurance
• What your employer’s health benefits include
• Whether any pre-existing conditions will be covered

Currency, tax, and pensions

Moving abroad means dealing with:

• Converting your salary into a different currency
• Understanding a new tax system
• Potentially paying tax in more than one country
• Sorting out what happens to your UK pension

Consider speaking to a financial adviser who specialises in expatriate finances before you make the leap.

Working in Dubai

Working in Canada

Working in Australia

Next steps

Job relocation is rarely straightforward. It affects your career, finances, family, and lifestyle, so take your time to consider all the factors.

If you’re being asked to relocate by your current employer:

1. Check your employment contract for mobility clauses
2. Request details of any relocation package on offer
3. Research the new area thoroughly
4. Discuss the move with your family
5. Calculate the financial impact
6. Consider asking for a trial period
7. Get any agreements in writing

If you’re choosing to relocate for a new job:

1. Make your relocation plans clear in your CV and cover letter
2. Research job opportunities in your target area
3. Plan your finances, including moving costs
4. Consider temporary accommodation or commuting initially
5. Start building your professional network in the new area

For more career advice, explore our guides on writing the perfect CV, acing your interview, and negotiating your salary.

If you’re facing disputes about relocation, contact Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) for free, impartial advice.

Frequently asked questions

How much notice should my employer give me before asking me to relocate?

There’s no legal minimum notice period for relocation, but your employer must give ‘reasonable’ notice. What’s reasonable depends on the circumstances, but generally, the bigger the move, the more notice you should expect. A few months’ notice for a major relocation would be typical.

Can I be made redundant if I refuse to relocate?

Yes, your employer can make you redundant if you refuse to relocate. However, whether you’ll receive redundancy pay depends on factors like whether you have a mobility clause in your contract and whether your refusal is considered ‘reasonable’ given your circumstances.

What counts as a ‘reasonable’ relocation distance?

There’s no fixed distance that’s automatically considered reasonable or unreasonable. It depends on your individual circumstances, including your commute options, family situation, and the location’s impact on your life. A move that’s reasonable for one person might not be for another.

Do I have to accept temporary accommodation from my employer?

No, you don’t have to accept any part of a relocation package, including temporary accommodation. However, refusing support that your employer offers could affect whether your refusal to relocate is seen as reasonable if it leads to redundancy.

What happens to my continuous employment if I relocate?

If you’re relocating with your current employer (rather than starting a new job), your employment remains continuous. This means all your employment rights based on length of service, like holiday entitlement and redundancy protection, stay intact.

Can I claim relocation expenses on my tax return?

Generally, no. If your employer pays for your relocation expenses up to £8,000 as part of a qualifying relocation package, these are already tax-free. You can’t claim additional tax relief on top of this. Any expenses above £8,000 that your employer pays will be subject to tax.

What if I relocate and then the job doesn’t work out?

If you’re in a redundancy situation and relocate for an alternative role, you have a four-week trial period (or longer if agreed in writing). If the role doesn’t work out during this period, you can leave and still claim redundancy pay. Outside of redundancy situations, the usual employment laws apply.

Can my employer change my pay when I relocate?

Your employer can only change your pay if you agree to the change or if it’s specified in your contract. Some employers offer location-based pay adjustments to reflect different living costs. Make sure you’re clear about your new salary before agreeing to relocate.

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