I'm getting the sack. Should I let it happen?

Gargatron

I've been stuck doing a job I despise for years. It's got to the point were even my Fridays are depressing because I know it's nearly Monday! It's stressful and I get told off pretty much every week for anything and everything. I'm very unhappy all the time and I would love to just hand my notice in. People have told me off-record that management are cost cutting and want me out. They can easily employ someone cheaper to save money. I've been to interviews for other jobs but I think the stress is showing and harming my chances.

This morning, on my desk was a letter telling me that I was being investigated for gross misconduct and I would have to go into a meeting on Friday. My heart lept and I had an overwhelming feeling of happiness, and phoned my union to book them for the meeting.

My big worry is that I'm quite confident that I have done nothing wrong enough to deserve dismissal.

What do I do? Do I stand my ground and state my case or do I tell them that I am responsible and be free from the stress?

raachel29

I'd stand my ground. Being dismissed for gross misconduct won't look great on your CV.

paddyrg

No, don't accept liability, but you could let them walk you off the premises then go to tribunal for unfair dismissal if it is indeed unfair. Don't say you did something you didn't.

pinkshoes

Definitely dispute it! Unless you're minted and don't need another job, then having gross misconduct hanging over you will ruin your future employment prospects!

ohreally

If you really want out, have a word with your union re sounding the employer out for a compromise agreement letting you resign with an agreed reference.

This isn't at all uncommon.

Gargatron

I like the idea of a compromise agreement, but I'd rather talk them down from sacking for misconduct to sacking because of capability. Because realistically, I can't see any way it could be classed as misconduct. If they let me resign with an agreed reference, I would lose out on JSA. At least with sacking for Capability hopefully I would still be able to. It's a choice of 6 months JSA sanction compared to having to explain a sacking on a CV. Neither option is appealing but I need to feed my family.

SarEl

If you get sacked at all then you are at high risk of being sanctioned.

But I am confused - you are accused of gross misconduct (which certainly could be dismissed for), you said that you are confident you have done nothing wrong enough to get sacked for (interesting choice of words - indicates that you have done something wrong, and whether it is worng enough to be sacked for may not be your choice!), and now it is "better" to get sacked for capability rather than misconduct - no it isn't!

You might find the quality of advice is better and more accurate if you tell us what it is you have done - because done something you have!

saintjammyswine

SarEl getting all Yoda on yo' !!!!

annasoper

ohreally wrote: »

If you really want out, have a word with your union re sounding the employer out for a compromise agreement letting you resign with an agreed reference.

This isn't at all uncommon.

Absolutely agree with this. Going by what you said, you just want nothing to do with this miserable company, so a tribunal or Union intervention will only prolong your association with it, cause you needless stress etc... Instead you can focus all your efforts in finding a job that you love. But yes, don't accept any responsibility if you have done nothing wrong.

paddyrg

Perhaps you could agree a resignation with 2 weeks severance pay to go jobhunting in, or something?

dandelionclock30

I got dismissed and an agreed reference.I was signed on straight away and got money.I havent got another job yet but that isnt due to being sacked its due to the economy.
I was talking to the lady at the jobcentre this week and she said plenty of people are sacked and get other jobs.This was also echoed by my solicitor and by my union rep.
I think its just harder than if you havent been. I would go for the resignation if you are'nt going to take them to a tribunal.