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Original poster

I think I've just been fired

433 replies

CinnamonVanilla · 17/10/2018 17:05

Boss found out that I applied for a job with our parent company. Supposed to be anonymous; but I'd have said when it was appropriate. Our HR director beat me to it; in front of a lot of people, apparently.

He took me into a room to say that it was humiliating; and means he no longer trusts me, so how do we move forward. He said my work is excellent but this is a big issue.

He's given me some time to think. Presumably he's expecting my notice this evening. I've been here just under two years so there's nothing I can do.

This has made my anxiety rocket and I don't know want to do.

OP posts:
Original poster
CinnamonVanilla · 04/12/2018 14:23

I missed what Rattinghat said; I hope I haven't upset anyone updating...

They left a message for the conciliator before lunch; apparently, offering 1 month + my 2 month notice period, but that would be taxed. I've had a chat with a solicitor and gone back with an offer slightly less than my original but still much more than what they've offered.

I am hoping that they come back quickly. My conciliator is on annual leave for a week from tomorrow but I've got a number for her office if I need her. I'm not sure anyone will be actively negotiating for me then; though.

It feels like it might be coming to an end. I'm trying not to get ahead of myself but a weight has lifted; a bit. I am alternating between feeling a bit stunned and crying.

I haven't set my new sick note yet. I guess I'll have to do that tomorrow even if I haven't heard back from them.

OP posts:
BarbaraRoyale · 04/12/2018 14:28

I agree with startingtolooklikemother

Original poster
CinnamonVanilla · 04/12/2018 14:55

@startingtolooklikemother Style it out by accepting? Or declining?

My head is all over the place today.

OP posts:
WeAreSailing · 04/12/2018 17:07

As an addition to the offer I would insist that all legal fees are paid!

Original poster
CinnamonVanilla · 04/12/2018 17:42

Thanks WeAreSailing, that's a good idea.

I did ask the solicitor whether it's be included; she said it would be in a settlement agreement but ACAS usually go for a different type where it's not included. Seems a bit silly to me; because the ACAS team were very clear that they are impartial and cannot give me any advice at all.

Nothing else from them today. I've got my fingers crossed for the morning. I'm keen for this to be over; I'd love it to be done before my next intensive therapy tomorrow afternoon. Three hours to try and find some light...

Thank you all for the continued support. I'd have folded a long time ago if it wasn't for you Thanks

OP posts:
HJWT · 04/12/2018 19:22
Thanks
BlueJava · 04/12/2018 19:26

The boss is a total bellend! You have every right to apply for other jobs in the company and anywhere else. It is not a resigning issue. I manage around 250 engineers - if one of them wants to move elsewhere (different part of the company, to parent company) I would far rather they did that than leave - it's great people can fulfil their ambitions without the company overall losing them. If they leave to go elsewhere I like to keep it on good terms - you never know they may come back. If you boss makes it an issue take it to HR and document everything!

bluecanoeforyou · 05/12/2018 12:41

You're doing an amazing job, Cinnamon. Not long to go Flowers

Original poster
CinnamonVanilla · 05/12/2018 12:42

No news from anyone yet. Called ACAS and talked to a different conciliator today, who was going to chase the company but read out the offer we'd put forward and my usual conciliator had forgotten to ask for my bonus. She said she'd add it on, but I'm not sure if she will call now.

Anxiously waiting for a call, really. I should send my sick note in today along with a progress update, but I'm nervous until this is sorted.

Off to see the psychiatrist soon; for an intense treatment. I'll ask him to keep my phone out today, just incase, and hope it's not too taxing. My brain is struggling; there's so much head fog.

OP posts:
Original poster
CinnamonVanilla · 05/12/2018 12:43

I cried a bit at that, thank you bluecanoe Thanks

OP posts:
WipsGlitter · 05/12/2018 13:21

Post your sick note in with proof of postage as you need to make sure you continue to follow all procedures.

Has ACAS discussed getting a reference with the company?

Original poster
CinnamonVanilla · 05/12/2018 14:07

Thanks Wips. They wanted it emailed to, but that's not in our usual policy. Do it to avoid trouble?

ACAS have discussed a reference. Apparently directly with the director of my area; who said I would have got a glowing reference anyway and didn't need to worry about that. ACAS are going to agree it in the agreement anyway; so I can read it beforehand and know what to expect.

Still nothing today. I'm at the psychiatrists; the waiting room is freezing cold today.

OP posts:
WipsGlitter · 05/12/2018 16:11

Yes. Email and post. It's important to keep following procedure as you are still an employee.

notapizzaeater · 05/12/2018 16:34

They know they are on a back foot, let them argue the settlement. Tbh I paid a solicitor to do this bit for me, Cost me a few hundred quid but I got double my settlement

DarlingNikita · 06/12/2018 11:10

You're dealing with it all so well, OP. You're so impressive.
Quite right not to settle for a month's salary. Push and push and push, I say.

Original poster
CinnamonVanilla · 06/12/2018 11:23

Thanks, darlingNikita. This thread is helping me keep myself together, that's for sure.

The conciliator called yesterday evening; she's now off on maternity so it will be dealt with by the duty team, but she wanted to let me know that the offer had been put to the company correctly and it was just her notes that were wrong. She's chased them up via email, too. We are hoping they come back today.

Somewhat amusingly, work had told her that bonuses weren't being awarded this year due to company performance being lower than hoped - but on the same call, said that they wanted to send me a letter about my manager as without me agreeing that he'd made amends, he wouldn't be able to be paid his bonus this year...

I struggled after the long session yesterday and only got three hours sleep; so I'm cold and tired today. I have diazepam to keep everything under control mentally but I think it'd probably knock me out; so I'm trying to get through the day with hot chocolate and rest sitting against the radiator.

OP posts:
DarlingNikita · 06/12/2018 11:34

work had told her that bonuses weren't being awarded this year due to company performance being lower than hoped - but on the same call, said that they wanted to send me a letter about my manager as without me agreeing that he'd made amends, he wouldn't be able to be paid his bonus this year...
Grin Caught themselves out there, haven't they?

Daftapath · 06/12/2018 13:52

And maybe gives you a bit of leverage? 🤞🏻

Original poster
CinnamonVanilla · 06/12/2018 14:28

It did make me smile a bit when it finally occurred to me yesterday evening...

Small update; ACAS have had an email from work that nobody was available yesterday due to HR having a Christmas day out, but they are now discussing the proposed figures.

Fingers tightly crossed. Feeling a bit anxious; and have had to medicate a bit more this afternoon.

OP posts:
Auntpetunia2015 · 06/12/2018 14:28

So to top it all off they are lying and trying to get out of paying you your bonus. Keep at them op seriously would consider getting a shit hot employment lawyer to sort this out. ACAS don’t sound like they are on top of it. Your fees can be paid as part of the settlement

WellThisIsShit · 06/12/2018 15:18

This is where I’d consider getting a lawyer to do the final bit of negotiating, as they will stick it out and be extremely tough, whereas you are motivated by wanting it to be over and needing to conserve your health.

One months pay, taxed, sounds extremely low to me. This is where a lawyer could tell you what they’d expect to get for you, but I think it sounds like a slap in the face to me, the utter wankers. Maybe you could get a lawyer to give a phone consult for nothing / very little where they could give a ballpark for what they could normally get for you? Then decide whether to proceed?

I don’t want you to get screwed over, I really don’t. Flowers

I can give you the name of the lawyer who did mine of that would be useful? I ended up spending A lot, as she is SSHL (super shit hot lawyer, so shit hot I had to add an extra S at the beginning!), but initially she didn’t cost much for a call. It was worth it for me as I got a years worth of money, but my situation was different (longer employment, longer and even worse discrimination, and company very keen for business reasons not to get to court!)... so obviously you have to see what happens for you...

DarlingNikita · 06/12/2018 16:20

Yeah, my settlement wasn't taxed. Also, I didn't pay a penny of my lawyer's (expensive!) fees – the company paid them as part of my settlement. I'd advise you getting help for this bit.

Original poster
CinnamonVanilla · 06/12/2018 16:28

Thanks all.

I have had some advice from a solicitor; but if your employer chooses to go through the ACAS conciliation process instead of making a settlement direct, they don't have to pay your legal fees. I'd asked for £850 to cover them initially, but it was rejected because they don't have to pay. The solicitor walked me through what she'd ask for; but said I'd probably end up paying her a bit more than that overall and it might make better sense to just have her look over their counter offer back.

I do think some help would be good though; so I'm going to call her again and see what she thinks. I think some support would be worthwhile.

I've had an email from work saying they are in conversations with ACAS and hope I've had a recent update. I'm sitting on my hands waiting for it...

OP posts:
Original poster
CinnamonVanilla · 07/12/2018 11:54

They've come back with a final offer of 6 weeks; plus 2 months notice and a factual reference.

ACAS has said they can't advise but I also can't ask them for legal costs (or I can ask but they won't pay); and that their position is that they don't want to negotiate any further. She said the money involved isn't small and I should think about it, as notice isn't usually paid under these agreements, and that a tribunal would take a long time.

I've left a message for a solicitor but to be honest; with the numbers they are quoting, if I sent £1k on legal representation, I'd struggle if they didn't increase their offer.

I'm lost. Shaking again now. It felt so positive yesterday.

OP posts:
Auntpetunia2015 · 07/12/2018 13:15

Have they given a timescale of when they would like you to accept. Don’t rush into anything. Definitely speak to a solicitor especially now you know what they are offering. Get the solicitors opinion on that and whether they think they can get you more. 2 month plus a factual reference doesn’t sound much considering they are so in the wrong. Hopefully someone more experienced will be a long in a minute.