Employment Issue

[Eve]

Hello,

I had my employment terminated with completely out of the blue right before Christmas despite a 3 month review (which I requested as none was forthcoming) confirming my future with the firm was secure and no indication of what was to come.

The initial notification was found completely by chance by e.mail (account I rarely used) when I was off sick with gastritis (diagnosed in casualty). The attachment was struck out and mixed up with correspondence relating to another member of staff.

I have still been unable to speak to the relevant person to get any kind of reason as they will not return my calls and would not see me when I attended the office to collect my personal belongings.

I feel that this could have an adverse affect on my efforts to secure further employment. I have had a number of interviews so am at least getting called and am awaiting feedback to see if it is having any effect.

I had been there for just over 4 months at the time.

I have also just received a final payslip where they have taken off a significant sum described on it as "sickness", I had about 7 days off sick off within my whole employment but they have taken well over a month's salary from my last payslip.

Any advice very much appreciated.

[Eve]

Apologies, just rechecked the payslip and the columns are a bit misleading (handwritten).

They have taken about half my normal monthly salary (both before tax) for sickness.

[Whickerman]

That would imply that you were given sick pay in your absence, and they're recouping it.
Sounds also like you had a cowardly boss who's avoiding a confrontation.
Having just gotten over a bout of gastritis, I sympathise. However, 7 days off in 4 months is excessive. It's probable that someone higher up took the decision.

[Barmaid]

Jenna so sorry to hear this. I must admit I know naff all about employment law so I can't really help. However, have you had a look at your contract? Is there a right to appeal? Was there a probationary period? What does it say about sick leave/pay? If they have acted outside the terms of the contract, you may have grounds for wrongful dismissal - which you could negotiate to settle on the basis you get an agreed reference from them?

[-Zorro-]

Jenna, I know naff all about employment law...but I know people who could "knee-cap" your former boss if you wish...or at least hang him out of a high window upside down (just like in A Fish called Wanda)

[Cennet]

If you have less than one years service,you can be dismissed with just one weeks notice

I suggest you contact the Acas helpline on 08457 47 47 47 regarding the deductions and any other monies owed to you under your terms and conditions ie notice pay and holiday pay

Good luck Jenna

[Eve]

Thank you for all your replies :)