Instant dismissal and notice pay

Clarey22

Hi, I began working full time at a new company on 21st August but last week I was told to leave immediately when I arrived for work as the manager said I had used the computer to go online and check my personal emails (I admitted and apologised but was still told to go home). Later that day I received an email to say I had been dismissed and would be paid in lieu of notice and any holiday. I never received a formal contract in the 7 weeks I was there but was paid weekly so assume the notice period would be one week. Am I correct to think that I should receive one weeks wages, the wages for the days I worked last week and 3 days owed holiday (based on statutory holiday allowance)? I was only paid half day for the 28th Aug bank holiday in my wages the week after. I will receive my payslip tomorrow so will know what they have processed but want to be sure of what I should receive in case it is different. Thanks for any advice you can provide.

Diamandis

Are you being dismissed for gross misconduct? You don't always get paid if so.

Generally a week would be paid if you're still new to the company.

jobbingmusician

Yes, the above is true, but the OP has been told she will be paid notice and holiday. Clarey - yes, the notice period is likely to be 1 week. We obviously can't say with any certainty how much holiday you are owed.

xapprenticex

They clearly wanted to get rid of you. You using the computers happened to be convenient.

At least you now know to use company computers for your emails in future.

Clarey22

Guessing it is classed as gross misconduct by them but never had this as an issue in previous roles and didn't receive a contract from them with all t&c, just an email confirming start date, hours and pay. Am calculating the holiday based on statutory amount (20 days plus bank hols) and I didn't have any time off whilst I was there and only received 3.75 hours for the august bank holiday instead of a full day 7.5 hours.

jobbingmusician

I think in your situation I would appeal against your dismissal. If you had not been told that personal use of a computer was not allowed, dismissal seems a rather harsh penalty. However, in your position, I would not be appealing in order to get reinstatement. What I would want is an acknowledgement that I was dismissed for an honest mistake, and for this to be reflected in any reference.

I haven't been employed anywhere where personal use of the internet is forbidden (during lunch breaks) for a VERY long time, so would not expect this restriction if I hadn't been told about it. Hence my sympathy!

xapprenticex

Most companies see using the internet during lunch to check the news or football and accessing your emails (where many viruses come from) to be VERY different things. Especially if they take their security seriously.

Clarey22

Thank you. At first I thought I was getting a telling off/warning as never been an issue with other places, so was surprised to be told to leave but didn't challenge it as hadnt been enjoying it there tbh. Don't really want to have any more contact with them but if my final pay is wrong I will have to and wanted to make sure I have my facts straight first!

Clarey22

Ive certainly learnt the hard way and wont be making the same mistake at my next job ��

hyubh

xapprenticex wrote: »

Most companies see using the internet during lunch to check the news or football and accessing your emails (where many viruses come from) to be VERY different things. Especially if they take their security seriously.

Why? If an ability to browse to gmail.com is a 'security' issue, the company is well lost on the matter (I can understand blocking it for the same reason Facebook might be blocked however).

xapprenticex

hyubh wrote: »

Why? If an ability to browse to gmail.com is a 'security' issue, the company is well lost on the matter (I can understand blocking it for the same reason Facebook might be blocked however).

Nobody mentioned gmail.com.

Sounds like you're well lost too