Can an employer sack you from a new job if you are sick on the first day?

[fabulouslyunemployable]

After months of failed applications and not-quite-what-we-are-after interviews, I finally landed a job, due to start yesterday...

BUT

I was struck down on Sunday night by a vomiting bug (caught from the dcs) and was too ill to go in. I phoned at 8am, an hour before I was due to go in, to say I was sick (I was still being sick so really couldn't go in!), my new boss said that was fine, see you next shift...

BUT

today he rang me to say not to bother going in as I have 'let him down'. I'm guessing he has got someone else as last week he was desperate for me to start ASAP.

I begged to keep the job, explained over and over again how unfortunate it was that I was ill (I'm hardly ever ill), but it was no good - I have lost the job.

Not sure I have the energy to get all indignant about this, but I would just like to know: can he dismiss me for being sick on my first day?

I feel like I had no chance to prove my integrity. I am so reliable and he has left me feeling useless. And worse: skint. I really needed that crap job.

Unless you have been discriminated against then there's nothing you can do, no unfair dismissal with the 1st year of employment ( soon to be 2yrs ) and more than likely there would be a probationary period anyway.

Don't be down hearted you will get another job and this fellow sounds like a jerk you've probs had a lucky escape.

Yes.

Happened to me too. so Yes.

Thanks for your replies. Checked with the CAB today - you are all correct, unfortunately.