Help with appeal

kellysaxo

HI Guys

Basically I have my appeal on friday regarding my dismissal at work.
I was dismissed for conduct not gross misconduct.
Basically without going into confusing details I am not denying what happened but it was a genuine error.
I have been under a lot of pressure ( i work in the financial sector ) for the last 6 months due to being a recovering alcoholic ( i haven't had a drink in 6 months )
All of my main issues have come since quitting the drinking.
I have been a loyal worker for 4 years and apart from the last few months my conduct has never once come into question.
I feel that my dismissal was overly harsh.
Can anyone help me???

thanks

Southend1

Sorry to hear of your situation. If you have admitted to the misconduct your appeal really needs to focus on mitigation, I.e. previous good conduct over an extended period, your alcohol problems which were caused/exacerbated by your employer's failure to manage stress in the workplace adequately (do they have a stress management policy?)

Are you a union member? If so the rep who represented you at the disciplinary hearing will be able to help prepare your appeal.

If you are thinking there may be grounds for legal action I.e. for unfair dismissal, discuss this with your union rep too. Don't forget time limits for lodging a tribunal claim.

kellysaxo

Thanks for the reply. NO I am not a union member unfortunately.

Southend1

kellysaxo wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. NO I am not a union member unfortunately.

Perhaps a friend or trusted colleague can help then? Write down your argument and ensure it is appropriately structured and coherent e.g. Introduction, argument, summing up. Ask a friend to review what you have written and give you feedback. Make sure you don't feel pressured by management into admitting anything that you don't need to, and that you make your mitigation convincing. Be clear about what you want e.g. Penalty reduced to final warning.

If you feel you need legal advice you should see an employment lawyer.

Good luck!

*Scarlett

Check your home insurance - if you have legal protection it will usually cover employment issues.

marybelle01

kellysaxo wrote: »

HI Guys
I was dismissed for conduct not gross misconduct....
I have been a loyal worker for 4 years and apart from the last few months my conduct has never once come into question.

Unless there was a question of gross misconduct, it would be exceptionally unusual for an employer to dismiss on a first occasion for misconduct. Have there been other disciplinary actions against you? I can assure you that information is not a "confusing detail". If we don't have the details the advice you will get is less realistic.