Hi Orange - never fear about asking a question on the forum - we are here to help!
Your redundancy package is compensation for loss of office and therefore to be used to supplement the loss of your salary until you find alternative employment. If the new employment is paying you at a lower rate than your current employment, your package can also be used to supplement the difference.
You would only need to hand over the redundancy money as a windfall, if you were to find a new job straight away or before the package had been absorbed. Do not let this put you off looking for work - a job is more precious than a few pounds any day.
Regards, Melanie Giles, Insolvency Practitioner for over 20 years.
To have me propose an IVA for you, please visit:
http://www.melaniegiles.com/ivaEnquiry.asp
See customer feedback at:
http://www.iva.com/iva_companies/IVA_Advice_Bureau.asp