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Original poster

Been called to a meeting with HR - any advice?

119 replies

Foxy200 · 30/01/2025 16:16

(Name change in case any of my colleagues recognise me)

I’ve been called into the office on Wednesday next week for a meeting with my boss and HR. The meeting title is vague, and when I asked what it was about, I was told it was just an update meeting with nothing to prepare. I asked if I should be worried, and I was told that I shouldn’t be. However, I can’t shake the feeling that something might be amiss.

There’s no question about my performance, but I find my boss very difficult to work with; he’s a micromanager and often inappropriate. I tend to keep my distance and only approach him when necessary, and I avoid any work social events.

I’m concerned that I may be let go simply because I don’t seem to fit in. I’ve been with the company for 11 months in a senior role, and while I’m not devastated since I hate the job, I’m worried about being out of work and finding another position. I’ve never been fired before, and I feel a bit anxious about it.

Any advice on how to handle the meeting?

OP posts:
Original poster
Foxy200 · 01/02/2025 13:50

Update

I have found out that the company is making redundancies due to the increase in National Insurance. There hasn’t been an official announcement but a close friend in another team received her notice yesterday. They are loosing one person on average per department. My boss was on annual leave yesterday and Monday, Tuesday next week, and I don’t believe anyone in our team has been informed yet.

My friend, who also has under two years of service, was offered just her three months' notice. The company has decided not to pay her annual bonuses, which was confirmed in December and expected at the end of January. About two weeks ago, we all received an email stating that bonus payments would be delayed until February due to cash flow issues. I reviewed my contract and found that it allows the company to withhold bonus payments at their discretion.
The more I think about it, my boss has been resistant to booking a number of important meetings in February and March, which makes me suspect that I might be affected.

Has anyone been in this position before in terms of bonus payments being confirmed and then withheld. It is 30% of my salary and so too much to loose especially if I get made redundant.

OP posts:
Deetelves · 01/02/2025 12:05

mmsnet · 30/01/2025 16:21

email to find out what the meeting is about first then decide how to approach it

This. They shouldn’t be calling you into a meeting without giving you an idea of what it’s about. I would ask for an agenda so that you can prepare.

Whatinthedoopla · 01/02/2025 12:03

TheseCalmSeas · 31/01/2025 21:40

Of course they can. You can’t give notice that in 5 days we’re going to discuss letting you go.

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Not about dismissal, how about redundancy? Or TUPE etc

Donsyb · 01/02/2025 12:02

Were you told you could bring someone with you? Usually if it’s a disciplinary etc you would be told you can have a rep (union or otherwise).

jeaux90 · 01/02/2025 10:32

OP please listen to the HR professionals on this thread and those who understand UK employment law.

I've managed people for years and what I'd say is listen, don't commit to any decisions. If you are on your way out anyway just buy some time for yourself.

WeCanOnlyDoOurBest · 01/02/2025 10:19

Spirallingdownwards · 30/01/2025 16:25

In what way is he being inappropriate? I would message back and say at next Wednesday's meeting may we also take the chance to discuss X's inappropriate behaviour. That way it perhaps preempts any notion of letting you go!!

I know you mean well but is a bad idea, it would give the boss chance to prepare a fabricated story to deny his inappropriate behaviour. If OP wants to keep her job she needs to keep a detailed diary of inappropriate behaviour to use against him in the future so she has a case. Giving him the chance to prepare won’t help her.
Trust me, I know, I’ve been there and I was the one who ended up leaving on the verge of a breakdown. However said boss moved onto someone else after I left, she was more savvy and collated every tiny piece of evidence. She eventually left when the situation became untenable claiming constructive dismissal, took him to court, won her case, happy days.

WeCanOnlyDoOurBest · 01/02/2025 10:08

I’ve gone through this in the workplace years ago and wish I knew then what I know now. Know your employment rights, don’t go in without a notebook and pen and write everything down. No one can stop you taking minutes of the meeting. Then email that back to them so you’re covered. This might be a lead up to them pushing you into leaving and if you need to claim constructive dismissal you’ll need to keep a diary.
This should help you find up to date information and to know your rights…
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/

Jillybloop393 · 01/02/2025 09:26

Sorry that I can't give any useful advice, but I just wanted to wish you luck. Hopefully you're worrying about nothing.

Laurmolonlabe · 31/01/2025 22:52

Take a trusted colleague/ friend in with you, I'd suggest an officer of your union, but you are probably not a member of one. This is essential because two sets of ears are better than one, and the less outnumbered you feel the better.
Ask for a copy of the agenda ahead of time, and study it carefully and talk to the person you are taking in with you about it.
Read your contract carefully before going in, and staff handbook, if there is one. Prime a couple of job agencies for your sector that you might soon be looking for a new position.

TheseCalmSeas · 31/01/2025 21:40

Whatinthedoopla · 31/01/2025 21:07

If it a formal meeting, they should be giving you 5 days notice. And with this, letting you know what the meeting is about!

They can't just spring things on and say whatever they want.

If it is an informal meeting, then they can speak about anything

Of course they can. You can’t give notice that in 5 days we’re going to discuss letting you go.

Whatinthedoopla · 31/01/2025 21:07

If it a formal meeting, they should be giving you 5 days notice. And with this, letting you know what the meeting is about!

They can't just spring things on and say whatever they want.

If it is an informal meeting, then they can speak about anything

Clarityiskey · 31/01/2025 19:18

Join a union asap. They won't help if you join after the meeting.

YowieeF · 31/01/2025 18:41

You have limited employee rights if employed for less than 2 years.
Might be worth reviewing your rights on the ACAS website, just so you are informed before your meeting.

Laura95167 · 31/01/2025 18:22

I'd ask if you should bring union representatives

MarvellousMonsters · 31/01/2025 18:20

Foxy200 · 30/01/2025 18:32

I'm holding off on calling them, as I believe that if they bring the inevitable forward, I’ll lose three days of my notice period. I might as well use this weekend and Monday/Tuesday next week to look for jobs while they’re still paying me.

The one thing I can’t understand is that there aren’t many people who can do my job due to its specialised nature, and it took them a long time to recruit me. Without sounding arrogant, I know I’m performing well, so would they really fire me, just because my face doesn't fit

You seem to be completely convinced that you're going to be fired. If you've not been pulled up in anything in the last 11 months and your only evidence is that your manager is a micromanaging annoyance (not sure what you mean by inappropriate) then there's no reason to believe that you're going to lose your job.

Are you in a union? (If not, why not????) I'd be taking a 'rep' of some kind to the meeting so they can advocate for you and act as a witness to anything the say.

ThisMintCat · 31/01/2025 01:02

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ByQuaintAzureWasp · 31/01/2025 00:43

NavyRaven · 30/01/2025 16:48

I'm sure you have nothing to worry about but if you are not already in a union I would encourage you to join immediately.

Why are you sure?

Factchecking7 · 31/01/2025 00:23

echt · 30/01/2025 21:02

There is nothing good about calling someone to meeting with no agenda.

At best it's professionally discourteous, at worst it wrong foots the employee. Nothing to prepare for? HmmThey've plainly prepared by calling it.

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If you say so

Lilactimes · 30/01/2025 21:47

@Foxy200 - it sounds like you’re doing well in your job. If you’re in the U.K. then there is protection to being dismissed on the day with no warnings - whether through redundancy or disciplinary. To avoid legal protocol, they could offer you money to leave.
However, it does feel unlikely therefore you will go to the meeting and walk out with no money and no job so try not to worry.

It may be that they feel you’re not doing very well; or they can sense you’re not happy, or don’t like your boss and they want to try and talk this out and look for ways to improve.
It could be trying to be constructive. So maybe try not to worry - unless you’re in US.

LostittoBostik · 30/01/2025 21:41

I wonder if someone else has complained about your boss and his behaviour, meaning HR are now conducting interviews to find out how the rest of the team feels?

I would try not to worry until you know it's negative. It might not be at.

TheseCalmSeas · 30/01/2025 21:37

In what way is he inappropriate? A grievance might be appropriate and would probably mean a neat settlement if you have evidence or a strong case they don’t want to risk fighting.

I would also been anxious in your position but I’ve also let people go and never given any notice. I’ve had HR just join a 1:1 on the day rather than cause concern.

ANiceBigCupOfTea · 30/01/2025 21:32

Speak to a union representative if you have one.
Typically if a meeting can result in anything negative like warnings, demotion or dismissal you should be given 7 calendar days notice with the details of what the meeting is about and any evidence that will be used in it. So it doesn't sound like something to worry about but to ease your anxiety, do speak with them.