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Original poster

I got fired today!!

559 replies

Amiunemployable · 27/11/2025 17:31

I started a new job on 1st September.

I was given an offer of employment letter when I started but never received a contract.

Today I was fired. Apparently I've had too much time off and failed my probation.

They've said I've had eleven days off. By my tally it's six days. Not eleven. Two were caused by migraines with aura which I've never had before and my GP reckons it was highly likely to have been caused by my office lighting as the migraines only started after I got the job. And since i stopped using the overhead office lights, (i sourced my own alternative) I've been migraine free.

I know it's still a high amount to have had off but I recieved PIP for a disability that does unfortunately mean it's difficult for me sometimes to get to work. But I've done my best.

Have I got a leg to stand on here? I never received a contract. Was never informed of a probation period. To then be told I'd failed a probation period that I didn't know existed? I signed nothing that mentioned probation.

I wasn't offered an extension to the probation period or a improvement plan, etc. Just straight dismissal, with no prior warning, for failing a probation period I didn't know existed. And also told I've had 11 days off and I don't think it's been that many.

OP posts:
KilkennyCats · 27/11/2025 17:40

11 sick days in 3 months? That would be grounds for dismissal even if you’d passed probation and signed a contract, op! I’m not sure why you think those things bear any relevance at all.

Grumpynan · 27/11/2025 17:39

6 or 11 days, that’s still a lot of time off sick you’ve only been there just over 2 months ! I would be more surprised if they hadn’t let you go.

its not uncommon to not get the contract until after the probation period of about 3 months

why are they say 11 days and you 6, do they mean 1/2 days ?

Luxio · 27/11/2025 17:37

If you haven't had and signed a contract then it all sounds very dodgy to be honest. Although there is no requirement to extend a probation period and they can indeed just fire you.

Canonlythinkofthisone · 27/11/2025 17:37

6 (how did they get to 11, did you do shorter days?) days off in less than 3 months is grounds for fair dismissal.
You might be able to argue that you didnt have a contract or know about a probation period, but do you really want to work for a company that can't be arsed to do the basics?

Largestlegocollectionever · 27/11/2025 17:36

Yes they’re well within their rights
I can’t believe you’re actually questioning this. Even if you only had 6 days off and not 11 that’s still a huge amount in less than 3 months!
You would 100% fail probation at my work too. Oh and every job has a probation period doesn’t it? I’ve never joined a business and not expected one.
Contract is neither here nor there.

BashfulClam · 27/11/2025 17:35

You can be sacked for any reason that isn’t a protected characteristic under two years.

Echobelly · 27/11/2025 17:34

Starting without a contract is very odd. What kind of job is this - is it office-based or are you in some public facing role like retail or hospitality?

MyBrightPeer · 27/11/2025 17:34

Unfortunately you don’t really have any rights in this situation. If you believe that you’ve been dismissed because of a protected characteristic, there may be a case of unfair dismissal but employers can pretty much do what they want within the first two years of employment.

11 days since 1 September is a lot of days off sick tbh.

ChaChaChaChanges · 27/11/2025 17:33

May I suggest you ask MNHQ to move this to the Legal or Employment sections? You’ll get much better advice there.