Please help me ... am I unemployable?

[ilovemybath]

I was fired for misconduct. Unable to prove that I didn't do something, has meant that my 20 year career is over.

Once the investigation started, I had just started making plans for a new career and so I resigned. They accepted my resignation, but then told me the investigation would continue. They also changed my four week notice to eight weeks at this point. It dragged on horribly, until they finally sacked me, the day before my notice period ended.

At this point, I had been training for my new career for five weeks, but felt I had to tell them what happened. They asked me to leave the course, a) because of what I "did" and b) because I hadn't told them previously. I didn't think I needed to, as it was all still ongoing. I told them as soon as I definitely knew what was happening. I apologised for this but they still told me they didn't want me.

I desperately need to work as soon as possible but now I feel like no one will accept me again. I don't know who/where/how to try to find something.

I don't think it would be allowed. My friend actually lost a new job, it is that hard to drag a reference out of them.

How about a job as a medical advisor in a commercial company? They may really appreciate your experience?

You wouldn’t necessarily need a reference from them, could you get a personal reference instead. Are any of the managers there disposed to believe you? Or do you have a longstanding colleague that could write a personal one?

My old firm doesn’t give references at all, the only way to get one is from a colleague or ex manager on non company headed paper

Actually I do have colleagues that would write me one. I just thought they always wanted managers.

Hi I didn’t see the previous thread but flying answer your current question-

1. No you’re not unemployable
2. The changing of contracts and dates during an investigation isn’t allowed, and especially when you have resigned. They can continue to investigate, but I would suggest that unless they can prove you will fully and intentionally trued to cause a misconduct situation then actually it’s the innocent until proven guilty position. I have experience of supervising dismissal reviews
3. I would progress constructive dismissal because they have intentionally persued your dismissal and not your retention- ie extended training, previous service etc. Speak to a solicitor. Until then write EVERYTGING you can recall down and include any relevant notes on where examples of witnesses may be available or email to support, julie from accounts sat next to me etc. Nothing is irrelevant. Note also the training you received.
4. Re references - I work for a large company/ we are well regarded- we only ever confirm the dates of employment and won’t give personal ref (basically because if we didn’t want to lose someone in first place we’re not supporting their leaving, and also it’s bloody time consuming)

Give a name of a trusted colleague who can confirm ‘to worked on x y z dates and duties included x y z’

1. Speak to bank and arrange mortgage holiday
2. Retails are recruiting now... go go go or it will be quiet until January. They need willing, articulate and friendly people who are customer facing. They train for everything

Thank you for such a long reply with really helpful points. Point 3 in particular will help both appeals!

I've been accepted for a teaching assistant agency today.

So glad to read your update today @ilovemybath. That's really great news

I'd recommend really working your network. In your previous job(s) you must have met people who know that you're good at what you do and who could help you with your job search. Approach them for advice and to ask whether they have heard about a job you might be suitable for.

If they know you well I'd also ask them to introduce you to the employer in question. A recommendation from someone the employer trusts can be a really powerful tool.

This is not the time to be shy - go to anyone you can possibly think of.

Good luck OP!

Pleased to see the positive update; well done!

So glad to see you have been accepted at an agency, and yes I would hire you. From what you have wrote on here I think your company have treated you appallingly and have broken their own terms and conditions by not accepting your resignation (unless police were involved, if not and your notice was four weeks then they should have upheld your leaving date)
I am always open to hearing people explain the how’s and why’s and wouldn’t write someone off just because of something that had previously happened (unless it was extremely serious)

It wasn't extremely serious and the police weren't involved.

Thanks everyone for the positive thoughts.

Congratulations!! I have nc since your last thread. I hope you can sue your last company. They treated you terribly xx

Just in case anyone remembers me, I have been working for an agency to pay the bills and now have a temporary contract. (Original role, elsewhere).