Can I be sacked?

GuySpec

Hi Everyone,

I am in a bit of a dilemma with work at the moment.

I have been produced with an opportunity with the Armed Forces that I had registered my interest in many months ago. It turns out, they would like to see me for a 2 day interview.

The dates they would like to see me on, are not negotiable (it has to be them as they have a number of candidates attending).

I know my work are not going to give me the time off as normal annual leave (as I will be the only one covering the office during those two days as others are already on holiday).

Obviously I want a career in the Armed Forces, do you think it is worth being honest with my employer and telling them the situation?

They surely can't sack me on the spot for it? But they might tell me I can't have that time off, which I assume will lead to disciplinaries etc...

Any advice would be great!

Thanks

p00hsticks

GuySpec wrote: »

They surely can't sack me on the spot for it? But they might tell me I can't have that time off, which I assume will lead to disciplinaries etc...

Do you mean that you intend to ask them for the time off and if they say no, take it anyway ?

Outpost

I think it's usually best to be upfront with your employer in matters such as this. What sort of relationship do you have with them?

GuySpec

p00hsticks wrote: »

Do you mean that you intend to ask them for the time off and if they say no, take it anyway ?

Yes. Basically, I have to attend that particular date.

I want to be honest with them, but at the same time if it goes t*ts up I don't want to be out of a job!

The only other scenario is to come up with an elaborate story. But that always comes back to haunt you...

spadoosh

I thought you had (and using that loosely) to be given time off to attend interviews. ie your current employer has to allow you every opptunity to further yourself.

They certainly can't sack you for going to an interview however if its on their time and unagreed you will be subject to their disciplinary procedures should you take the time off.

Annisele

How long have you been with your current employer?

If it's less then twelve months, then to all intents and purposes they can sack you for any reason at all. (Technically they can't sack you for a discriminatory reason - eg because of sex, race, religion - but if they've got an ounce of common sense they'll come up with an unchallengeable reason to get rid of you).

When you say other people are going to be "on holiday", do you mean actually away from their homes, or just that they've already booked leave? If the latter, I'd suggest you beg a favour from one of them for swapping leave.

Is this the type of job where your employer could get cover from somewhere else (eg a temp agency, or another department)? How long is it until you need these two days - long enough for the employer to find someone to cover?

WPN

Sorry, just to point out you can be sacked for any reason. Whether you take them to an ET and win compensation for unlawful dismissal is another thing entirely.

DCFC79

spadoosh wrote: »

I thought you had (and using that loosely) to be given time off to attend interviews. ie your current employer has to allow you every opptunity to further yourself.

im not sure if that is true but i could be wrong,

heretolearn_2

It's not true - it's codswallop.

This is a tricky one OP. Can you agree a swap with one of the people already on leave? As you are already the only one there on those dates, of course your employer is going to say no.

GuySpec

They're a national recruitment company, and my boss could easily cover my desk (he has done this before). A temp couldn't do my job, but my boss can cover me from any location in the country.

The problem is the reason I'm asking for the time off. I've spoken to the other two and they both have abroad holidays booked, hence why I'm desperate.

I know I worke in recruitment but I don't deal in recruitment law, hence the reason I'm looking for advice.

it could work in my favor telling them why I want the time off (I.e: no progression where I am. Have been here over 3 years, applied for this job ages ago). He might be grateful I'm letting them know in advance what my plans are. I have always done a good job and will continue to do so.

The other option, is to come up with an elaborate story that means he has to cover the office for those two days.

Strider590

spadoosh wrote: »

They certainly can't sack you for going to an interview

No but some employers take it very personally and will often make your life a misery for daring to look for another job.
Was certainly the case where I worked 10 years ago, the MD took it VERY personally and did on several occasions use his contacts to scupper the chances of colleagues who were attending interviews for jobs working in the same very niche industry.

In the OP's situation i'd call in with a good "excuse".... Two day's is good too because illness only looks suspicious if you have just one day off.