I’m about to be dismissed

[Firedgirl]

I’m in an unusual situation that I know that on Friday next week, I am going to be dismissed. I found out accidentally and they don’t know that I know. Everyone is behaving pretty normally and seems happy. and I’m expected to go in tomorrow and behave normally and get on with my work and hold meetings etc. I’m likely to be dismissed with immediate effect (pay in lieu of notice). I will be removed from the building immediately once they tell me due to security/information etc.

I’ve been at my company for over a year but less than 2 so it’s not really redundancy I guess. Nothing wrong with my work or performance it’s just like redundancy but since I’ve not been there two years I don’t really have those rights. I actually just got a payrise too!

anyone else been in this position? How on earth am I going to behave normally?! Any tips for what I need to ask when they “break the news” to me?

Just wanted to highlight this from my post to add to your list if relevant

Dont forget to ensure you are paid for any accrued but untaken annual leave days including any carried over from the previous year if relevant.

you will need your current employers to give you a good reference so that you can get another job. Therefore this week is your opportunity to really shine.

This isn't some 16 year old in a Saturday job.

Don't take in cake and do tea rounds op, that's mad.

In most professional organisations where the industry norm is to walk you out with a box and security staff, you get a blanket reference from HR.

As in.. Sally worked here as a Widget Supervisor between x.y.zz and x.y.zz

That's it. Whether you were amazing or terrible

Some of the advice here is appalling

The 'negotiating a reference' can mean agreeing on a better job title or list of accomplishments for your CV if you'd taken on more than your actual title suggests while you were there. So they support what you're putting on your CV as you look for a new job. I know people that have done this.

Thank you.

When I sued for direct disability discrimination, I had to provide 20+ years of unrestricted medical records as evidence of disability.

I also had to provide evidence that the company were aware of the disability during onboarding AND that the discrimination was based solely on this.

The case dragged on for 18 months. It was incredibly stressful, despite being successful.

It's appalling to see people suggest inventing a protected characteristic as an empty threat.

It happened to me. Company decided they were going in a different direction. Less than two years service.

A friend tipped me off a couple days before. But I had guessed something was up anyway.

I asked for a meeting with HR. Offered to resign if I could go immediately with full notice paid. It was sad as I didn't get to say good bye to any colleagues. But I got four weeks full pay as per contract and my accrued holiday. And I was able to start a new role quickly so I got a couple of weeks pay overLap

Not much sympathy shown for the employers here. Could be a decent business, a hard decision and a difficult time for them. For all those saying call off sick, or otherwise take advantage, how unprofessional is that?

OP, if you know, others may know and jungle drums could be extremely upsetting. So unless you found out by inappropriate conduct on your part, yes you should calmly and discreetly let management know the cat could be out the bag. They may choose to announce early and will appreciate your candour. If you found out by foul means, button it and keep it buttoned and dont be tempted to brag 'I knew' when the anoouncement is made.

Your post initially suggests it is a hostile firing, but then you clarify and it is actually multiple layoffs and nothing personal. Its tough you dont have two years served but them's the breaks. But you can take sensible advantage of this advance warning to prepare yourself and get into job seeking mode and use your personal time wisely to get organised.

How do you behave normally? You do because you are currently still being paid to do your job and it is professional to do so. When it has been announced, do ask your questions positively, and importantly ask if there is any mentoring or support available from remaining colleagues, who may have advice or contacts to help you find new employment. I am sorry for your disappointment, and good luck!

I think you need to seek advice from ACAS or your union. They will know how employment law applies in your particular situation, so you can be prepared when they do tell you what’s going on.

Don’t be unprofessional, don’t call in sick, but do fulfil the requirements of your contract and then spend every spare minute job-hunting .

I would spend the week sourcing a new job! I would call in sick and use the time to apply for other work. Or get signed off for two weeks to buy some time. How they deal with it it is up to them, I am sorry op that is very very stressful for you. Good luck.

Op defo go sick, squeeze all you can out the company before they let you go.

I wouldn't be a goody two shoes. I'd call in sick and have a nice long relax while I prepared my CV. Balls to them.

Don't go sick and don't resign yourself. If you resign you won't get any redundancy or severance pay they might offer you regardless of the less than two years service.

And you won't qualify for contribution based job seeker's allowance. You might need to claim if you don't find a job immediately.

I think staying quiet, taking any personal stuff home and making sure your CV etc are up to date are the best things to do. Hopefully it won't be a busy week workwise and there will be time to update your LinkedIn profile, look for jobs etc.

Intrigued how you “accidentally” found this out OP

I'd have it out with a member of management when you next go in. There is no way I'd go to work for a whole week knowing I was getting the boot on Friday. Good luck xx

Keep your head up high and act with dignity and integrity. Don’t take it personally and use the time to get your contacts, put job applications in earlier etc.

This has happened to my dh a few times. Before Christmas he noticed his name was taken off the list to the Christmas party/dinner a week before the party. He knew straight away, and made sure his computer was in order etc. He (and two other people) was escorted off, and the rest of the staff were told not to contact him. It can be cruel, but still better to know so you can be mentally prepared and it’s easier to keep your dignity. Good luck op.

Get your doctor to sign you off for a month and start looking. Work related stress.

Well you could be sacked and / or not paid

Get a GP app in next day or two?

doubt it! And I bloody hope not as could go to someone genuinely in need

Make people tea, take in cake and just be the best possible version of yourself that you can be

Yep, run around like good little handmaid to show them what they'll be missing. Or, act like a professional adult and do your job, while collecting all your personal stuff and your professional contacts, burnishing your CV and getting in touch with agencies.

As someone who lives with an actual Mental Health disability, this is not only shit advice but really offensive. People like you are the reason employees with genuine Mental Health conditions are often reluctant to disclose their disabilities, because we get tarred with the same brush.

I have a genine mental health condition too actually and I work in HR. I know how things work whether you like it or not.

Get your CV up to date. Start applying for jobs immediately. Make sure if you need anything from work you email it to your own email. Get all your work up to date at work. Be very nice to everyone this week. Make a good last impression as it will help your reference. Get online UC application ready to press the button the moment you are officially told. It won't be personal.

Not true. I recieved a reference request for a member of my team a few days ago and one of the questions they asked was how many days/episodes of sickness the person had over the last 2 years.

I do hope you don’t work in HR as your advice is complete bullshit.

It won't be personal

Exactly. For whatever reason, if OP's information is correct and she is being terminated, the company for some reason has decided that it has to function without her. All this 'go off sick' and 'have it out with management' isn't helpful.