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Original poster

I was told I'm not performing ... I'm going to be let go

23 replies

threeisacharm18 · 04/08/2023 07:02

I had an end of year with my manager. Long story short I've been told I'm not stepping up as a leader. It's not good enough to do the work. I need to build strategy etc. some pretty nebulous examples given .

It's all come out of the blue. I was told I was doing great. Not we have a new leader who came in and trashed everyone's work and performance. I'm in a high profile role and it seems I have been singled out along with at least one other person I know.

I was told my performance is below expectations and I have 30 days to improve.

I've been there a year.

It's clear they are managing me out. They have already lost a few people who left for their mental health. The place can be toxic if you have a high pressure high profile role. I hung in there but other leaders have left (at least 4) Not before having a good 9 months off sick.

I'm relieved to a degree as I knew it was the wrong role for me. Far too much stress. I've started looking but the market is quiet.

I cannot afford to be without a job. I hate the idea of going off sick but until I have another job I cannot afford to be made redundant.

Any advice?

OP posts:

LadyWithLapdog · 04/08/2023 07:23

Go through all the hoops, ask for advice and be outwardly 100% focused on the job, whilst in the background you intensify your job searching efforts. Don’t go off sick (unless you’re sick, obviously), use the time to learn how to keep going. You might make it through, though it doesn’t sound like a good environment.

PinkFrogss · 04/08/2023 07:27

Are the targets they’ve set reasonable? Or have they literally just said you need to improve within 30 days, and not said exactly what needs to improve and what the success criteria is?

itsmyp4rty · 04/08/2023 07:35

Sounds like a really awful place to work. Keep working for 25 days then go off sick with stress if it's clear nothing is going to be good enough. If they're going to take the piss then why shouldn't you. Obviously look as hard as you can for something else all along the way. It sounds like an awful place to work.

DaisyThistle · 04/08/2023 07:38

Point out you have never had poor feedback or corrective measures once since joining so you would like very clear training and guidelines for targets in place or you will consider the possibility that this is constructive dismissal under new management. Might buy you some time.

Greenwitchhorse · 04/08/2023 07:53

You should ask for your performance report in writing and then challenge (also in writing) the points that have been raised if you think they are not a true reflection of your performance and copy HR into it.

If you are being set up to fail/they are trying to find excuses to get of you you need to start setting up a trail of evidence to make them think you will be claiming unfair dismissal.

A good manager would never wait until an end of the year appraisal to raise issues about your performance. They would have raise the issue earlier and set up a clear plan for you to improve.

It is clear this is a toxic workplace and you need to find a new job but in the meantime you need to get yourself the best possible financial deal from them rather than just allow them to fire you because a manager has decided they want rid of you without a good reason...

cushioncovers · 04/08/2023 07:55

Agree with others ask for records of your underperforming in the last year. Give yourself a few days to get over the shock and then concentrate on finding something new.

justasking111 · 04/08/2023 07:59

It happens sadly. That manager will eventually be managed out. I've seen it a few times as an outside observer , new broom sweeps clean then department falls apart.

Find another job.

MrsBennetsPoorNerves · 04/08/2023 08:03

What are the targets that you have been given? Are they realistic and achievable? If not, ask for advice about how to approach them and support to help you get there.

Are they measurable? If not, ask what specific criteria will be used to assess whether you have met them. You need to know what you're aiming fo, and you don't want to be fobbed off with vague criticism at the end of the 30 days.

Don't go off sick. Try to engage with the process.

Don't be defensive, ask what you need to do differently and try to follow through on what they say.

Record what actions you have taken and any improvements that these have made. Track any support that you have requested and what has been provided. And keep detailed notes!

In the meantime, keep looking for another job!

JennyForeigner · 04/08/2023 08:04

Good advice above. Be clear, you have nothing to lose. There are employment lawyers and consultancies that specialise in negotiated exit such as Yeslaw.

If you are polite but strong about knowing your rights and in parallel wanted to go into a confidential negotiation represented, you would likely come out with a good reference and settlement to tide you over while finding the right thing.

It can be freeing, when you are sure it is not going to work out and that your job is to advocate for yourself.

Lastly, the job market is strong for employees and we are in the September round now which is better again. Don't worry too much.

greenteaandmarshmallows · 04/08/2023 08:06

LadyWithLapdog · 04/08/2023 07:23

This

drpet49 · 04/08/2023 08:28

LadyWithLapdog · 04/08/2023 07:23

This if you are really bothered. Personally I would just look for a new job in the meantime.

FartSock5000 · 04/08/2023 09:27

@threeisacharm18 if you have less than 2 years service they can let you go anyway.

Use this time to find another job. Brush up the CV and start going for interviews.

You've been lucky enough to get the heads up that they want you out so don't try to fight the inevitable and use the time you have to get something else.

Original poster

threeisacharm18 · 04/08/2023 10:19

Thanks for the advice.

The specific issues that they wanted me to improve on is something around

visibly taking ownership
Setting out strategy

Ownership - the example they raised was a project that was set up while I was on leave . I asked for info on the project and wondered why I wasn't leading it and my manager said as I was on leave they needed someone to lead - it was a project with a 2 week turnaround. It was being lead by another leader on my managers level. I got back asking what I needed to do to support and was told to not worry - just observe in the meeting.

Setting strategy - when I arrived I had a blank slate. This is not what I was sold in the job interview. I asked my manager where to focus as the remit was wide - I was told focus on 2 areas 'low hanging fruit' as it was called. So I did. I also presented a draft strategy to get their input. But then my manager went of sick with stress so I got no feedback and had no manager for 3 months.

New management comes in and doesnt understand why I have not set out a full strategy and instead I've been building systems and processes. No point in doing another big strategy doc when I've got no direction.

Anyway- new management is not happy with me. I know it's the new management that is behind the attempt to manage me out.

We had our recent employee engagement scores and our department had the worst scores ever in 5 years. Poor moral and lack of faith in the leadership. Mainly because the leader is a micromanager and criticises everyone's work.

It's a bit of a shock as I've never had a bad performance evaluation- except when I was in my 20s. Im now 41.

I have brushed up my cv and will start applying.

OP posts:

TakeMeToTheForest · 04/08/2023 10:22

This exact thing just happened to me, based on literally no feedback or evidence either; just a new manager who felt he had to make his mark.

It's sad, and I'm struggling, I miss my friends, but it was the most toxic place I've ever worked, so I'm trying to feel the relief that I know is somewhere inside.

Good luck with your search!

Original poster

threeisacharm18 · 04/08/2023 10:24

If I go off sick at least I can use that time to seek out new work.

I will engage with the process and write down my rebuttals. I've not had an actual written evaluation yet. Just been told this verbally.

However - I know this is a done deal to manage me out so being off sick will ensure I'm still getting income while I look for another role.

OP posts:

DaisyThistle · 04/08/2023 10:54

I wouldn't go off sick if you are not sick. Being sick, especially with stress will be a huge turn off to prospective new employers. I would string out your time there by playing keen and asking for specifics and going over any criticisms of historic failing with HR and the leadership (or lack of it) you had at the time, with some insinuation that you are aware this may be a case of attempted constructive dismissal.

TakeMeToTheForest · 04/08/2023 11:22

I wouldn't go off sick either, I wanted to do my job with my head held high until they were forced into looking me in the eye and firing me for no damn good reason.

Aprilx · 04/08/2023 11:27

I think going off sick when you are not actually sick will do you no favours. If anything, it would probably only serve to prove their point about you not being up to it.

MrsGalloway · 04/08/2023 11:36

I wouldn’t go off sick if you’re not, it’ll make it far more likely they’ll get rid of you and don’t you usually have to disclose recent periods of sickness to new employers?

I also don’t think there is any point in seeing a lawyer, yes it’s unfair and shit but with less than two years service and no discrimination there is nothing you can really do if they give you notice.

If you need the income and the job market isn’t great I’d probably play the game and try to ride it out whilst looking really hard for something else.

If you don’t think you’re a good fit for the role anyway is there any option to ask for a different position that’s not managerial?

eurochick · 04/08/2023 12:19

It's utterly shit but with less than two years' service there is little point in trying to fight it. From the examples it sounds like you are being set up to fail. Do the bare minimum at work and focus on job hunting.

PinkFrogss · 04/08/2023 12:29

I wouldn’t go off sick as sick days can be included in a reference.

I would try and engage with the process while job hunting.

Based on what you’ve said, you wouldn’t have a claim about being let go as you’ve got less than 2 years service. If there are additional details you’re not comfortable sharing on here (E.g you’ve recently told them you’re pregnant, or you’ve been a whistleblower) I’d suggest contacting ACAS.

LIZS · 04/08/2023 12:31

threeisacharm18 · 04/08/2023 10:24

If I go off sick at least I can use that time to seek out new work.

I will engage with the process and write down my rebuttals. I've not had an actual written evaluation yet. Just been told this verbally.

However - I know this is a done deal to manage me out so being off sick will ensure I'm still getting income while I look for another role.

Going off sick when you are not is disciplinary. If you stick out the review period and they let you go you would be paid notice and accrued leave. There is no reason you cannot look for a new role while working.

Ralye · 04/08/2023 16:41

TakeMeToTheForest · 04/08/2023 11:22

I wouldn't go off sick either, I wanted to do my job with my head held high until they were forced into looking me in the eye and firing me for no damn good reason.

This op.

Yes they are some nebulous reasons.

As another said, sounds like a manager trying to make their mark.

Keep your head up.

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