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Original poster

I've just been fired :(

54 replies

biscuitsandjam · 07/12/2018 08:31

Name changed because I feel a bit embarrassed about it.
Came in to work this morning and got a call from supervisor asking me to come to their office. They proceeded to tell me I wouldn't be offered the job again next year :( Technically not fired I suppose because I was on a two year contract, but was led to believe that this is almost always renewed. They said I hadn't done anything wrong at all in the role, but hadn't performed well at interview.
Please cheer me up!

OP posts:
ernjas · 07/12/2018 08:34

I'm so sorry, what bad timing too! Thanks

Bunnyhop1502 · 07/12/2018 08:36

So they fired you not because you are crap at the job but because you didn’t do well in an interview for a job you already do?? That’s absurd. Sorry this had happened to you so close to Xmas Cake

LaurieFairyCake · 07/12/2018 08:36

But that's insane Confused!!!

Doing the job well is the actual fucking thing! Not the interview

What the fuck?!?

Reccy2018 · 07/12/2018 08:38

So is that role still part of the staffing structure and will it be going to someone else? If so, it is technically a dismissal, and still subject to the ACAS rules of dismissal. How many months/ years service have you got in total there? Is it an NHS/government/school position where previous positions may count toward you're continuous service? If so, and you have more than 2 years I total, you may have a claim

SassitudeandSparkle · 07/12/2018 08:39

Sorry to hear that the contract is not being renewed, OP. Always a bit of a dent to your confidence. When does your current contract end?

Singlenotsingle · 07/12/2018 08:41

Put in an appeal?

HeddaGarbled · 07/12/2018 08:44

That sounds like a made-up excuse to me.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 07/12/2018 08:44

You can't have performed that badly at interview or you wouldn't have got the job in the first place.
It seems like they're trying to scrape the bottom of the barrel for an excuse that's not there.
They've probably got a monkeys uncle brothers wifes mother in laws
best friends dog trainers daughter already lined up to take over your roll

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 07/12/2018 08:49

Did to have to interview again for the next contract?

I'm really sorry Thanks

PoisonousSmurf · 07/12/2018 08:54

They do this kind of thing to everyone who works in a high turnover job at this time of year. Merry Christmas!

Sad
Daisymay2 · 07/12/2018 08:54

Surely 2 years in the job is the ultimate interview. I would ask for written feed back on performance and interview feedback. Also ask about a reference.This is bonkers. When I worked and interviewed someone who had been on a short term contract was always difficult because you knew what they were realy like in the job and therefore thay had an advantage ( or disadvantage) at the interview.
Really sorry but my guess is like a PP. I bet they have a friend or relative lined up/

Truckingonandon · 07/12/2018 08:58

Put in an appeal. You need a bit of advice from a good hr person on here but I'd say you defo have grounds. I'm pretty certain temp staff have the same rights as perm staff. Therefore they cannot just dismiss you like that. If you've had no performance discussions, then they cannot say you were under-the-counter in your role. If the role still exists, then they're making you redundant and have to pay you redundancy. Don't just take this decision lying down. You will have some rights here. Start by writing all the pertinent information down and create a timeline.

londonrach · 07/12/2018 08:58

Thats the problem with contract work.dfil had similar. Usually theyve someone cheaper lined up. Sorry doesnt help your situation. Do you have any contacts, agency you can contact. Sorry op x

Truckingonandon · 07/12/2018 09:00

Ha ha! Under the counter!!!! Wtf?? That was meant to be under performing.

TooTrueToBeGood · 07/12/2018 09:01

The reason they've given you sounds like bullshit. There will be some other reason (personality clash with someone with influence, making room for someone's mate/relative, cutting you lose for a bit to save costs and hoping they can bring you back in a few weeks/months, budget admin fuck up). You'll probably never know the real reason so just put it behind you and focus on finding your next opportunity.

BlueJava · 07/12/2018 09:06

So it doesn't seem to me like you've been fired - you had a 2 year contrack which you've worked but they just didn't renew it after they re-interviewed you. So it's just that they aren't renewing your contract - could be for several reasons, but don't take it personally. Just look for another opportunity! Sorry it's come close to Xmas though, that's a bit shite.

springydaff · 07/12/2018 09:07

So sorry op. What a blow, especially at this time of year Flowers

MrDonut · 07/12/2018 09:07

That sounds like a made-up excuse to me.

I agree. Shock

I suppose there's not much you can do except pick yourself up and start job hunting. Hopefully you will find something even better.

Iloveautumnleaves · 07/12/2018 09:11

I’m sorry this has happened 💐

Are you still at work? How long are they expecting you to carry on in your position?

I think we need a bit more information before anyone can actually be helpful...

...but if you just want cheering up, think about your extended holiday over Christmas & what new doors might open in the New Year! 🎄🍫🥂

Original poster
biscuitsandjam · 07/12/2018 09:11

Thanks everyone. The role is the same and pay for future people will be the same, so they don't have someone cheaper lined up, and I'm certain they don't have a family member lined up. Realistically it's probably true that I didn't perform well in the interview, but I agree that this seems like a silly reason since I've always been told I'm performing as required.

I wouldn't appeal even if I had a case because to be honest I don't find the role particularly challenging or engaging (I've remained in the role for other reasons, it's very easy to juggle around other commitments and quite impressive on paper). I have never told my employers or colleagues this of course, although perhaps it shone through in my interview. I have always performed the work to the best of my ability though. I'm hoping to apply for a different role (currently advertised) which will hopefully better suit my interests and career aims.

Fortunately my current employers have already agreed to provide references, since they are not unhappy with my actual work performance.

OP posts:
MutedUser · 07/12/2018 09:12

Maybe what they are trying to say is you didn’t live up to promises you made at interview . I’m so sorry that’s awful this time of year, better things will come for you in 2019 .

nomorearsingmermaids · 07/12/2018 09:14

Fortunately my current employers have already agreed to provide references, since they are not unhappy with my actual work performance.

I'm sorry but I think they are talking bollocks. If someone is performing well in their job and you know they can do it why would you not re-hire them based on an interview? Have they replaced you with someone else?

Sorry this happened to you, it's shit Flowers.

LegalEagle99 · 07/12/2018 09:15

That's horrible at any time but more so right before Christmas. I really do hope you're coping ok.

Regarding termination, after 2 years employment your status within a company becomes that of an employee and you are automatically eligible for all Employment Law rights and any rights that would be afforded to you via your contract of employment. It also makes it A LOT harder for a business to dismiss you AND you are generally protected by a notice period, minimum 3 months statutory or more if your contracts states.

I'm not sure if that helps but if you want clarification from them on why, perhaps it's worth speaking to HR or your manager...

All the very best.

Yabbers · 07/12/2018 09:18

after 2 years employment your status within a company becomes that of an employee

Yep. Can almost guarantee this is why they didn’t renew. I’m guessing the actual length of the contract was 1 yr 364 days.

WhatwouldCJdo · 07/12/2018 09:18

The interview thing is an odd excuse. The time/money/effort to get a decent working person into a job role is bloody hard work. So staff are not let go easily. If you are doing a good job then I think there are other factors and it's an excuse.
Personally, I think they may be being cautious about staffing numbers and it is not a personal issue at all but just them thinking "ok here is one we can let go for now and save monies."

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