Just been sacked for the first time ever after a funeral

My current job accepted the PAYE statement from Gov.uk showing that I had indeed worked at a former location I wasn't able to get a reference from (because they're an ineffectual shower of shits). I then used a personal reference as well, for my good character.

Not when it's not 2 years service.

Then it might be prudent to make a Subject Access Request:
https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/getting-copies-of-your-information-subject-access-request/

She hasn't been there for 2 years. They can dismiss her without reason and it still not be unfair.

It's then not you.

It's probably a finance issue and nothing to do with your performance. That's probably an excuse.

People won't judge you they will judge them. Focus on grieving if you can. You will find another job, a much better one.

This exactly. It's probably not performance related but I am sorry you’re going through this.

I’m very sorry for your loss.

I think being very pragmatic that you should park the issues with being let go and just focus on getting a new role. Personally I’d develop a “I’ll show them/fuck them” attitude, and go all out, updating your LinkedIn profile, CV etc, reaching out to industry contacts and seeking a new (better!) role for a business who values you. In interviews I’d simply say the role wasn’t the right fit for you or similar, be professional, everyone is allowed mistakes and look forward. I absolutely appreciate this week you may not feel like doing this, but maybe it can be a positive distraction.
Don’t let it diminish your confidence, if appropriate maybe do some online CPD so you feel up to date and confident for new roles. Good luck.

It’s probably not personal at all Op. although it’s a horrible thing to do to you.

Its most likely the company is not doing great financially, will be even more so from April if they have a lot of employees, and you were an easy target to get rid of without you having too many rights to redundancy etc.

if it’s project based, then even more so a reason to let you go once the project is finished.

Fingers crossed for you for the future!

It’s poor practice, but you have no recourse. Some ruthless companies even do it deliberately to aid recruitment, since more people apply for ‘permanent’ roles than short ones.

Employer sounds awful, you might have had a lucky escape. Sorry it happened to you and sorry about your gran too. Good luck finding a new job.

There’s going to be a lot more of these dismals in the next few weeks. Employers costs are going up and it’s easier to get rid of people like the op rather than people who have been there years and will have rights and redundancy pay.
Sorry op it’s probably nothing whatsoever to do with your performance.

So basically an equal to your mum.

I'm sorry you've lost your DGM.

It doesn't remove the absolute ball ache of job searching and paying the bills in the meantime, but this screams of being a Them Problem not a You Problem. Don't tie yourself up in knots trying to figure out what you did wrong or trying to prove their reasons wrong: there are no answers to this because they've made up something vague and wishy washy as they can't say you're fired with no explanation and won't want to share the real reason.

Given they haven't replaced the other woman and the large increase in your workload rather than employ another person there too, my money is on the business struggling. In those cases it is always either the most well-paid employee (provided they haven't been there too long, necessitating a large settlement of course. This usually proves foolish as that pay was given due to a wealth of experience that turns out to be carrying the department IME...) or, because there are no legal complications, those with less than 2 years service.

My curiosity would get the better of me, and I'd be watching to see if your post gets advertised.

And her old employer may also be happy to have her back if they have a vacancy - it's certainly worth her getting in touch with them just to check.

If the reference is inaccurate ('‘This decision follows a thorough review of your performance and overall suitability for your role.’) then they are on potentially dodgy ground. It might be worth getting some legal advice, sometime home insurance includes this, or ACAS for general pointers on poor references.

You don’t have the service for an unfair dismissal claim. Unless there was any discrimination you’re limited really to wrongful dismissal (If they’ve not followed a fair process) but if you’ve had your notice pay you’re unlikely to get anything from such a claim

Sorry for your loss

I'm so sorry, some employers are totally immoral.
Although the law is supposed to change soon, there is no recourse to unfair dismissal unless you can show you were sacked due to a protected characteristic. I would say you have nothing to lose by talking to ACAS. The service is free and they are super helpful and know the law.
They do have to pay your contractual notice period I believe.
Post a truthful review on glassdoor.com.
It may not feel like it now, but you are probably better off out of there in the long term.

I’m really sorry about your job situation, but also about your loss of your grandparent. What an awful time. Just came to say although it feels like you’re in the thick of it today, and dealing with a big shock on top of your grief, something better will come along as a work opportunity. Unfortunately being in a role less than 2 years they can just let you go. They have to put a reason in writing, but more than likely it’s not at all to do with the quality of your work (even if it says it is). Take their reason with a pinch of salt. The same thing happened to my husband a few years ago after 6 months in a role. He was so upset and it really knocked his confidence, but it was absolutely nothing to do with his capability or him as a person. He was a very highly valued employee at other companies before that role, and has been successful and valued at every employer since…. And you know what, you will be too. Please don’t let this knock your confidence or take it too personally. Some companies / managers are arseholes, and honestly who wants to work for them? Take time to rest, be kind to yourself after the loss of your relative & I’m sure another much better opportunity will be around the corner. Sounds like a huge cliche, but it’s usually true. It feels like a sucker punch at the time, but better days are coming.

I'd suggest finding a way to word your reply that indicates it was an issue with your employer, not you.

i.e. "Unfortunately it transpired they weren't a great company to work for so I'm looking for something that is a better fit."

Probably too late now, but could you ask to resign instead?

I understand you.
I helped my mum nurse my dear gran until she died last year. She was my absolute world.
It is bollocks to have a blanket system that rewards more leave and care if it’s a parent, spouse or child. I know many who are closer to aunts, cousins or even godparents than an actual direct bloodline relative. Each case is unique.
Take care of yourself OP. This is a horribly vulnerable time.

They hired you for that project delivery and now that’s done, you’re surplus to requirements

they did it before, right?

it’s cheaper than hiring a contractor probably