Just been sacked for the first time ever after a funeral

[PrueD]

On Monday I was at a funeral and yesterday I was off on compassionate leave. When I returned today the director sacked me. Been there 9 months.

Before now, I hadn’t been made aware of any issues in my one to ones, the last one being a week and a half ago. I had told my manager a month ago about my terminally ill relative. It was harder to work at my usual capacity at this time but I was still doing a good job on important projects. The main problem I had was they kept piling on more work on top of existing work.

I said I would’ve liked the chance to address any issues and they said they don’t have capacity to support and that’s it. I’m in shock, having an awful week as it is.

It’s probably not personal at all Op. although it’s a horrible thing to do to you.

Its most likely the company is not doing great financially, will be even more so from April if they have a lot of employees, and you were an easy target to get rid of without you having too many rights to redundancy etc.

if it’s project based, then even more so a reason to let you go once the project is finished.

Fingers crossed for you for the future!

I’m very sorry for your loss.

I think being very pragmatic that you should park the issues with being let go and just focus on getting a new role. Personally I’d develop a “I’ll show them/fuck them” attitude, and go all out, updating your LinkedIn profile, CV etc, reaching out to industry contacts and seeking a new (better!) role for a business who values you. In interviews I’d simply say the role wasn’t the right fit for you or similar, be professional, everyone is allowed mistakes and look forward. I absolutely appreciate this week you may not feel like doing this, but maybe it can be a positive distraction.
Don’t let it diminish your confidence, if appropriate maybe do some online CPD so you feel up to date and confident for new roles. Good luck.

This exactly. It's probably not performance related but I am sorry you’re going through this.

It's then not you.

It's probably a finance issue and nothing to do with your performance. That's probably an excuse.

People won't judge you they will judge them. Focus on grieving if you can. You will find another job, a much better one.

She hasn't been there for 2 years. They can dismiss her without reason and it still not be unfair.

Then it might be prudent to make a Subject Access Request:
https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/getting-copies-of-your-information-subject-access-request/

Not when it's not 2 years service.

My current job accepted the PAYE statement from Gov.uk showing that I had indeed worked at a former location I wasn't able to get a reference from (because they're an ineffectual shower of shits). I then used a personal reference as well, for my good character.

Unless you think there are discriminatory grounds you can be legally dismissed within two years' service. Ask for a reasonable reference

So sorry this has happened to you. This also happened to me, and what I will say is that it honestly all works out, had I not been let go from somewhere that wasn’t a great workplace, I wouldn’t have the great job I’ve got now. Doesn’t feel like it now, but in the long run, they’ll have done you a favour!

I can’t see how I’m likely to get a good reference after being dismissed. Is this common?

Look, OP. Unfortunately this happens, particularly in toxic workplaces. The measure of this company is absolutely exposed with their timing. I think this is a blessing in a terrible disguise.

Firstly, apply today for non means tested JSA so you maintain your NIC stamp. You’ll also get some pocket change each week & they can contribute towards the cost of getting to job interviews.

After that, close your laptop, have a cry, just relax and know that everything will work out in the end. But for this week you’re going to give yourself space and time and kindness.

On Monday, set that alarm, get up, get showered and get your CV prepared and treat the job hunt like a job. Have 2 CVs one for interim work (retail etc) and one for your career. Organise the search like a project and tailor your applications to the roles. Also spend some time thinking about your leave reason, and practice your response. Connect with some recruiters and let them do the heavy lifting for you.

I know this feels awful right now, but you will look back one day & see that sometimes these things happen for a reason.

Oh also to add - I was made “redundant” which was my reason in interviews. It honestly has not affected anything in terms of other jobs. They’ve always given me a good reference. Good luck x

Did you have approval to take time off? I can only see it as a disciplinary offence if you asked for time off, it was refused, and you took it anyway or if you just didn't turn up with no explanation. However, in these cases, I wouldn't sack you. I'd be sensitive to your grief and gave a chat with you.
Sounds like a terrible employer! My boss has allowed me a lot of time off because of my sick cat lately...

Most references are factual giving dates etc but you want it to be positive if they make any comment.

Do you let them know about this policy at interview?

"By the way, my procedures for determining if you are a suitable candidate are very weak so I have no idea if you're a good fit for my team and am just stabbing in the dark by hiring you. Now you are leaving your previous job and making plans based on the income from this role, you should be aware I may sack you for no reason and with no warning and some stage."

Or do you sleep at night knowing that they are now working out how they are going to pay their mortgage and feed their kids because you offered them a job you didn't actually want them to have?

I would be honest at interview, and say your reviews in person with your manager had been good and no issues were raised, but suspect may be a case of last in first out, as you'd just successfully delivered a large project you had been working on, and you'd taken some leave due to a very close family death so you imagine it was a convenient time to ask you to leave with the costs of employees due to go up in April, meaning they could now remove your position and cut costs.

Then I would say how much you're looking forward to moving on and tackling new challenges etc, or some such positive forward looking comment.

The old company can't give you a bad review, although they may state your absence/sickness record.
See it positively - I'll bet you hated being micromanaged, so a good opportunity to get something better!

Edited to add @Fluffybagel agree with 'the position was made redundant'

I’m so sorry OP. What a shitty time for you. 💐

Sadly, PP are correct and there is fuck all you can do given your short service. The government are tabling a bill to change this, but as it stands, you will have to take it.

If you worked in public services or a large unionised organisation, you might get it overturned on appeal due to unfair process, but it doesn’t sound like that’s an option in your case.

Most employers give a basic reference that says “Jane worked here as a copywriter from x to x.” If they are asking why you left, it might emerge that they dismissed you.

This is a toxic environment and you are better off out of it. Dust yourself down and get out there using all your contacts and get a new job. I hope it comes soon.

Could you leave it off your CV completely? Use your previous job for a reference, and say that you spent “some time” looking after your grandmother in her final months.

For 9 months though?

I’d probably be better leaving it on and giving a reason. I assume though I should lie about being sacked and give the impression I left instead.

It was a fixed term position - Mat cover.
You could always request a copy of the reference that your former employer will provide.
They would be treading a very tight rope if they provided a leave reason given they didn’t start a PIP. Usually the reference says start date, end date, last position held.

I was "sacked" from a job once right after being off for something similar. I had been there about 3 weeks short of 2 years!

The reason made no sense. "Business reasons" which they couldn't elaborate. The department didn't exist before I came (outsourced) so I had set it all up. I still believe it was because one of the directors just didn't like me.

I cried for about a week. Right around covid too so I was terrified I wouldn't find anything.

Now, it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I found the perfect job about 3 weeks later and I'm still there now.

OP I know how you feel. It's horrible. Go home. Let your emotions all out. Let your friends and family support you.

Have a wine, have a day off doing anything tomorrow then start preparing for the next step. I am confident you will look back om this and realise you were lucky to leave such a toxic place.

Take care xx

This is true. I imagine it doesn't have much to do with you and it's a case of cost-cutting in this uncertain environment. Try to get a good reference and start looking for another job.

I'm sorry this has happened op. It's been a shit week for you!
Could you maybe leave it off and say you were looking after an ill relative?

Yes it is relatively common, sadly. Many employers only give basic, factual references with dates of employment etc, and you may well be able to negotiate such a reference that doesn’t refer to their verbally stated reason for ending your employment.