Redundant

re·dun·dant  

/riˈdəndənt/

Adjective

1. No longer needed or useful; superfluous.
2. (of words or data) Able to be omitted without loss of meaning or function.

Wow, what an awful word!  In Australia, when you are laid off your job, you are made "redundant".
Awhile back, the govt here made about 14,000 people "redundant"!  It seems to be a trend here lately....