Unfair Dismissal

jcalow

I have worked for my current employer for the past 10 months, I have done nothing wrong and have often been congratulated by senior managers for my work ethic and good performance.

Completely out of the blue yesterday I was called through to the back office and was told they had to let me go. The reason given was financial performance of the company. I was asked to clear my desk and leave immediately.

I have been given nothing in writing yet but I was told that I would be paid a months’ notice and could expect to receive a good reference.

Is there anything I can do about this as this is clearly unfair dismissal? This is due to the fact that:

· In December we were told that last year had been a good year for the company.
· My section had considerably smashed at least the last three monthly financial targets set by the company.
· The company has taken on TWO new members of staff in another section within the previous fortnight.
· Last week the company purchased new machinery worth £17,000.
· I have checked with Companies House and the company is in good fincaial health targeting a turnover of £7 million in 2011.
I know my main problem is that I don't have a year's service, but can anything be done about this as this is clear-cut unfair dismissal?

Te_Awamutu

I'm really sorry this has happened to you, but unfortunately, as you have less than 12 months continuous service, there is nothing you can do. Legally you can not be 'unfairly dismissed' until you have been with an employer for over a year.

The only exemption to this is if your contract has been ended due to a protected characteristic (age, sex, disability, race, religion, etc). So, for example if there are other people with less than a years service, and you are the only one who has been asked to leave, and you are the only girl in the group, then you might be able to complain.

Hope that helps.

andy208833

I think there are a lot of people in your position at the moment as companies look to cut costs. I think you may have to accept it and move on. You clearly seem to be a grafter and with your good reference should be a asset to a new employer.