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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to not want to tell anyone I've been fired?

80 replies

ahbollocks · 16/01/2015 17:52

I know I am really :(
Just so embarrassed and humiliated.
This job was a bit of dream job for me, in a prestigious small business thats well known in my industry.
Was hired on the spot by the owner, once I joined I found out a lady who does similar work to me for them was on maternity, and she returned a couple of months ago. Ive been there a year.
Really really fucking stupidly I nevsr signed a contract, rarely saw the business owner and my payments were made direct to me from clients and I then paid half over to the owner.
Anyway, she FACEBOOK messaged me last night (privately) and said sorry, im lovely, talented but its time to go our separate ways and to drop my keys off today.
Its totally out of the blue and I havent even told Dh or even my best friend.
We have a 3 yo dd :(
Jobs are so hard to come by in my area and I dont have enough capital to go alone.
Just totally gutted and so angry with business owner for firing me in such a careless way. I genuinely thought we had a good relationship and I always got along well with everyone at the office.
Fuck sake.

OP posts:

Bunbaker · 16/01/2015 18:08

And being finished by a Facebook message. I've heard it all now!

SolomanDaisy · 16/01/2015 18:10

You have no employment rights, but it is possible you could raise issues about the way you were employed. How were you paying tax and N.I.?

How much capital would you need to start for yourself? Make an appointment to see a start up advisor, there may be grants and loans available. And don't be embarrassed, you have done nothing wrong.

Original poster

ahbollocks · 16/01/2015 18:11

No I understood it was permanent- the business was expanding and she seemed to think I would be needed. I'm an illustrator :) owner said she would take care of it all (re-tax etc) when I first started but no ive never recieved any paper work at all.
Its my first job like this, am 23 and previously just worked in bars/receptionist type of work so I guess ive gotten a bit carried along.
Im just embarrassed because friends and family have been so proud of me and now I'm back where I was 12 months ago. Dreading the sympathy head tilt.
Dh is home at 9 so will have to lady up by then

OP posts:

KitKat1985 · 16/01/2015 18:12

I agree it sounds like she's chosen to end your role as she viewed it as temporary maternity cover rather than a permanent position, and so she doesn't need you any more; rather than you've been fired per se. No way should she have done it via Facebook message though - that was cowardly and shit. Hopefully she will at least give you a good reference. Hope you find something else soon. xxx

Flomple · 16/01/2015 18:15

You're not back where you started. You're now an experienced illustrator. You've done the big leap, the next one will be easier.

And please don't be embarrassed, it's not your fault you've just been shat on.

SolomanDaisy · 16/01/2015 18:15

So you've never paid tax or NI or had payslips? Have you asked her to send you a p45?

britnay · 16/01/2015 18:15

You need to look into whether or not she was paying your tax and national insurance, as if she didn't you will probably have a hefty bill coming your way from HMRC

KitKat1985 · 16/01/2015 18:17

If you understood it to be a permanent job, did she at least give a reason for letting you go? That would really clarify whether she 'fired' you or made you 'redundant', which is different (and the latter will be better in terms of explaining why your last position ended on your CV / interviews). x

Bunbaker · 16/01/2015 18:17

It sounds like the company have been operating illegally, so they might get a rap on the wrist as well.

londonrach · 16/01/2015 18:18

You werent fired you were employed to cover mat cover. Your job has ended as she has returned. Please tell your dh. He understand can offer hugs, chocolate and support. Xxxxxxxx

MaryShelley · 16/01/2015 18:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SolomanDaisy · 16/01/2015 18:18

It doesn't sound like you would need much capital to set up on your own as an illustrator. You have all the contacts as you've been billing then direct and she stupidly hasn't made you sign an agreement not to poach them. Email all the clients and tell them that your are now freelance and ask them to contact you direct in future. Then get an appointment with a small business advisor to sort out start up funding.

MaryShelley · 16/01/2015 18:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DazzleU · 16/01/2015 18:19

I was going to write what britnay said - you need to look into what the situation actually is there to avoid unexpected bills from tax people.

If nothing else you now have experience in this are - will be a massive help in future employment

KitKat1985 · 16/01/2015 18:19

Oh and I agree you need to clarify where you stand with her in terms of tax etc for the past year, and you need to contact inland revenue asap if you haven't been paying tax etc (and prepare for a big bill). Sorry.

Original poster

ahbollocks · 16/01/2015 18:21

I think 'made redundant' would be more accurate. She said no hard feelings etc and was lovely to work together. Will message her to ask about contributions. Urgh.
Major lesson learnt.
If I do have to pay a tax bill do they let you spread payments out? Thankyou everyone for links etc I am reading through them

OP posts:

FishWithABicycle · 16/01/2015 18:23

Was about to say what britnay said - if she hasn't been doing paye and ni then you owe quite a bit to hmrc - and so does she as she's supposed to make employer contributions on your behalf.

Meanwhile you've got extra experience and examples of professional work which will make it easier to get your next job.

SolomanDaisy · 16/01/2015 18:23

You should be able to spread payments out, yes. You can report her to HMRC too.

KitKat1985 · 16/01/2015 18:24

I believe you can agree a payment plan with them yes. xxx

Timetoask · 16/01/2015 18:24

Ask her for a reference letter for your next job

Original poster

ahbollocks · 16/01/2015 18:24

Its the actual computer equipment and programs that are the main outlay.
Amazing point about having clients details. I do have them all.

OP posts:

DazzleU · 16/01/2015 18:24

www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself/overview

the second bit what you need to do has a HMRC’s calculator - might give you an idea of what tax bill you might have - and that the self assessment deadline is looming - so you need to get this sorted asap.

atticusclaw · 16/01/2015 18:25

I've only read your posts and not the whole thread but you need to find out asap whether she's been doing anything regarding income tax and national insurance but you would surely know if she'd been paying you. It sounds like the money has been coming to you directly. It certainly therefore doesn't sound like an employment set up.

If you've just been taking the money that came in from the clients as your "payment" then yes you will have a tax and national insurance liability.

SolomanDaisy · 16/01/2015 18:25

You need to ask her for your p45 too, as dwp and future employers will ask for it.It will also force her to be honest about what she's been doing about paying tax and NI.

caroldecker · 16/01/2015 18:26

If they have not been making contributions, and you don't sound self-employed, it is thier responsibility to pay them via PAYE. your take home should be counted as net

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