Advertising - About to loose my job

Tom_G_3

I work in field sales (advertising) for the local paper run but a massive organisation covering the UK. I will have been in the position for 2 years this Feb, given the current economic climate, "recession" has taken a-hold and effected Advertising probably more so then any other industry, as it is one of the first expenses company owners cut back on or pull altogether when things get tough. Back in October (ironically just after a down size in office and location, several waves of redundancys and paper closures!) I was pulled up for my revenue booked and advised that because it was unacceptable I was to be put on a performance review. Now going on what I had hurd from other staff members one of which being my line manager and good friend who had been there for 10 years a perfomance review is not something you want to be on, as either the staff member is let go or leaves themselves before it finishes due to the pressure it puts on them.

I was advised this performance review would be for 3 months I would have a 121 weekly with the sales manager and a full review every month and a final round up at the end. Regardless of what I hurd about the Performance Review, I stuck at the job giving it my all and trying my best, I have now been on this review for almost 6 months (double the initial amount of time) with nothing in writing or verbally advised it was extended, I had to ask what was happening before being told, by the sales manager "I had to extend it as if we had continued through the christmas period as normal, everyones revenue drops and you would not of been here now, so I didnt think it was fair". Did she do me a favour or was it the company she was doing a favour for, as one collegue was signed off sick for 6 weeks, another quit and one was on annual leave leaving only me and one other to run a department normally 5 run! I have been issued with 2 formal written warnings due to poor performace (according to targeted benchmarks against actual results) and on Friday I was advised, regretable a meeting is to be called, my final meeting where a decision is to be taken not by my sales manager but an independent from head office that will look through all the information from the start to now and make the decision.

I am fearing the worst especially as my partner is 19 weeks pregnant I have bills looming over my head that will need paying still. I simply can not afford to be out of work, I have worked since I was 16 and am now 29.

I am thinking about (should the worst happen) going for unfair dismissal, as they are or have been:
Unfair given the recession, it has effected everyone.
I feel I have been used to cover a shortage in staff, especially over the xmas period hence my review taking longer then expected 6 months and not 3.
Not one of the dates I have been given for meetings or 121's have been stuck to.
My working area was changed 8 times in under 2 years, I only requested 1 move! and my job is about building relationships with clients not easy when you are consistantly moved.
Personally I feel the company are using this as a way to cut down on staffing levels and cutting costs, without paying out redundancy of which they have already done to hundreds across the country.

I simply feel disgusted by it all and do not believe they are being fair but have no idea on the best steps to take, either in relation to filing for unfair dismissal or what to do about the bills I have outstanding over my head, like credit card, loans, mobile phone, sky should and/or when the worst happens. It is all very unsettling and stressful, I am holding a straight face and standing strong to my partner as I do not want her to worry, but I feel broken inside and just want this to be over. However my partner is very supportive, she has said if she could support me and her she would tell me to get out and find something else and not to worry, that one way or another we will deal with it, but not to walk stick it out till the end!

It feels like being told you may face redundancy and having to deal with that prospect for half a year, not knowing the outcome!

Please help in anyway you can with advise.

Thanks in advance
Tom

Roobarb73

Oh, what a shame.

I can empathise - I lost my job when I was 6 months pregnant with my first baby and then my husband lost his when I was on my maternity leave with my second - it sucks, it really sucks.

Hmm. It's a really tough one. On one hand, I find employers are less tolerant of poor performance (not saying this is you btw) due to the financial climate, but then it does seem harsh if they aren't giving you realistic targets. I hope you aren't dismissed but if you are it sounds like it might be worth a punt of an unfair dismissal claim - what do you have to lose?

Fire_Fox

Are you stressed? Have you considered going to your family doctor and informing him of this? Are you a member of a union? Is there anyone you can take to your next disciplinary?

Try not to stress about debts, there are systems in place to help you make manageable payments - read around the (lovely) Debt-free Wannabe board about Debt Management Plans from the charities CCCS and PayPlan. Remember your priority outgoings are rent/ mortgage, council tax and food.

Credit cards, loans and telecoms are NOT priority debts and should be offered £1 token payments using the template letters on the DFW board. Baby stuff can be got very cheaply or even free from eBay, Freecycle and charity shops: see the Families board for lots more ideas.