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Original poster

I've got to sack someone......& I hate it

57 replies

katymac · 12/01/2006 20:54

I took on an 18yo just before Christmas

After 3 weeks of work (tomorrow) she hasn't completed a weeks work (off sick twice, time off twice with either a weeks notice or a days notice) and then today she announced that she is leaving early as she has a yoga class

She only work 10 hrs

I feel that in the first few weeks of work you expect people to attend.......don't you?

OP posts:
MaloryTowers · 12/01/2006 20:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

JoolsToo · 12/01/2006 21:00

Get rid! (and don't feel bad about it)

what did you say when she announced she was leaving early?

don't come back?

Original poster
katymac · 12/01/2006 21:00

I did wonder if I was being unreasonable......& I feel really horrid about it all

OP posts:
Blu · 12/01/2006 21:01

A yoga class????

She is not what you need. Tell her nicely but formly that it is not working out, you need and wish her well!

It won't take very long and once it's done, it's done.

You are a cm, not a teenager-minder!

JoolsToo · 12/01/2006 21:01

unreasonable? are you mad - there's only one person being unreasonable here

starlover · 12/01/2006 21:01

hmm i don't know... isn't it standard to have a verbal warning first? or have you done that already?

I think I would have a chat with her about her days off, the notice period she has to give and the fact that she can't just go early when she feels like it.

I am presuming her contract sets all of this out anyway?

starlover · 12/01/2006 21:02

and tell her if it keeps happening you will get rid o her

Original poster
katymac · 12/01/2006 21:02

She is on 12 week trial - with no notice on either side

OP posts:
Original poster
katymac · 12/01/2006 21:07

If I give her a warning - how long to I give her to pull her socks up?

Or am I better out of it

OP posts:
starlover · 12/01/2006 21:08

personally i would give her aniother 2-3 weeks at least. and on the condition that if it doesn't improve she is OUT straight away with no notice.

but that is just me, and it looks like i am in a minority here! lol

Pennies · 12/01/2006 21:09

Better off out. Bin her and don't feel bad about it either.

mazzystar · 12/01/2006 21:09

er

she's entitled to be off sick, if she was sick; and presumably to take time off as leave, if you as her boss agree to it. the yoga class is obv taking the p*ss a bit.

it doesn't sound like she's that bothered about the job, and 18 year olds don't tend to be terribly up on employment law, but i would have a stern word and give her another chance.

but i am a public sector softie

JoolsToo · 12/01/2006 21:12

GET RID

JoolsToo · 12/01/2006 21:13

If she can't manage 10 hours there's no hope

waterfalls · 12/01/2006 21:15

If she staarted work on a trial basis, technically you are not sacking her, if you take on employees on a trial basis, you can let them go at anytime during the trial without all the verbal and written warnings.

winnie · 12/01/2006 21:16

I don't think you are unreasonable at all.

If she is sick that is not her fault but time off twice and leaving early???!**!!??

Caroline5 · 12/01/2006 21:18

I'd have a chat about what hours you expect her to do, notice needed for time off etc and then give her another couple of weeks to see if she gets her act together. Is she any good at her job when she's actually doing it?!

waterfalls · 12/01/2006 21:18

I have been there dozens times, it's not pleasant but it has to be done, I have given chances to people likr the girl you are discribing, but it never worked out.

Had to do it to my own sister once

JoolsToo · 12/01/2006 21:22

why did you allow her leave - for a yoga class fgs!

Original poster
katymac · 12/01/2006 21:26

I didn't allow it

I was told she was going

I said - well you better start cleaning then as I want the floor mopped before you go

OP posts:
VeniVidiVickiQV · 12/01/2006 21:30

The sickness may well be genuine and unavoidable as people say.

However, it certainly has been a bumpy start with no signs of getting better. IME when someone starts on such a bad footing it rarely gets better.

It doesnt mean she's a dreadful person, its just obviously the wrong job for her.

nzshar · 12/01/2006 21:39

I agree the sickness i would be lenient(sp?) with....to a point. When you first start working with children a lot of people whether they are 18 or 58 end up with all sorts of nasties from the children, it takes a while to build up the imunity.The time off again depending on the situation....if these things were already in place eg appointments etc before she took up the job then fair enough. BUT.... the leaving early for yoga is taking the pee a bit. I personally would have a stern talk to her rather than sack her. You took her on knowing her age. If people didnt give me a little slack when i was 18 then i dont think i would be where i am today. Talk to her then give her 3 or so weeks to "prove" herself.

nooka · 12/01/2006 22:17

I think that sacking without any warning is unfair. Is this her first job? Has she really adjusted to the work ethic yet? I'm not saying that her behaviour is acceptable, but unless you crack down hard on her she may not actually be that aware that she is taking the piss. On the other hand, of course she may just not take the job (esp as it is only 10hrs) seriously. I would have a formal meeting with her and spell out her options, making it very clear what your expaectations are. Give her a review timetable - ie we will meet again in 2 weeks to look at your timekeeping (you haven't said if there are other performance issues) and if there isn't marked improvement we will be terminating your contract. (PS I'm public sector too - how I wish we had trial periods!)

winnie · 12/01/2006 22:21

VeniVidiVickiQV, you are so understanding ;)

codnotamod · 12/01/2006 22:22

finbar is your gal here she isn hr

she agrees that once a skiver always a skiver

it saway of lookign at work ime