Duped into a job that never existed

Sponz

Just over 6 months ago I joined a company in a newly created role.  I was sold the job as being exciting, busy, no two days are the same.  One month down the line and it was not that at all.  It was quiet, dull and boring. I previously was self employed and worked all hours god sends so I thought I was maybe out of touch with what being employed was like.  I kept asking my manager for extra work, if there was anything I could help with.  I got a bit extra but nothing much so I decided I'd ride it out 12 months and go elsewhere.  My Manager was always off dog walking, dog training and quite frankly I don't think she does much at all.  I feel like I've been employed to pick up the stuff she can't be bothered to do. I was considering leaving but I just think less than 12 months in a role always raises questions to future employers. 

Less that 2 months in my employer loses their biggest contract.  Now when I say lose, they're not gone yet but they will be gone by Feb 2023 so there is still work supporting this client.  At 6 months I had my probation meeting with my Manager.  I was told I had passed  but also told my job is not secure, a lot has changed since the role was advertised and that there is some junior customer service role that I might want to consider alongside what I am doing.  I was told not to say anything to anyone about it.  I asked for details of what the role would entail and was told I'd be updated.  2 weeks later my Manager has not even contacted me about anything at all.  Nothing.  I just feel like I have been completely mis-sold a role.  At no point since I joined has it been busy at all.  My manager is terrible.  She used to check in with me every 3 weeks maybe but since the the probation meeting she barely has anything to do with me and I am not part of any team at all so I have nobody to discuss this with. I've got a feeling they will make me redundant based on what's happening as I feel I am deliberately being pushed out and they're trying to blame this client cancelling the contract.  I feel like they have me dangling on a string as I've been there so little time that they can get rid of my with one weeks notice and say redundancy yet my contract I have to give them 3 months notice although, they can then make me redundant during my notice period so ACAS have told me.

I'm so mad.  I'm also in the process of moving so I NEED my salary to secure a mortgage.  I feel like I am being completely done over and sold a role that never existed in the first instance.  What can I do?  I'm obviously applying for jobs like crazy now but I could potentially end up being homeless if I've sold my house and can't get a mortgage.

Sandtree

Sponz said:

Just over 6 months ago I joined a company in a newly created role.  I was sold the job as being exciting, busy, no two days are the same.  One month down the line and it was not that at all.  It was quiet, dull and boring. I previously was self employed and worked all hours god sends so I thought I was maybe out of touch with what being employed was like.  I kept asking my manager for extra work, if there was anything I could help with.  I got a bit extra but nothing much so I decided I'd ride it out 12 months and go elsewhere.  My Manager was always off dog walking, dog training and quite frankly I don't think she does much at all.  I feel like I've been employed to pick up the stuff she can't be bothered to do. I was considering leaving but I just think less than 12 months in a role always raises questions to future employers. 

Less that 2 months in my employer loses their biggest contract.  Now when I say lose, they're not gone yet but they will be gone by Feb 2023 so there is still work supporting this client.  At 6 months I had my probation meeting with my Manager.  I was told I had passed  but also told my job is not secure, a lot has changed since the role was advertised and that there is some junior customer service role that I might want to consider alongside what I am doing.  I was told not to say anything to anyone about it.  I asked for details of what the role would entail and was told I'd be updated.  2 weeks later my Manager has not even contacted me about anything at all.  Nothing.  I just feel like I have been completely mis-sold a role.  At no point since I joined has it been busy at all.  My manager is terrible.  She used to check in with me every 3 weeks maybe but since the the probation meeting she barely has anything to do with me and I am not part of any team at all so I have nobody to discuss this with. I've got a feeling they will make me redundant based on what's happening as I feel I am deliberately being pushed out and they're trying to blame this client cancelling the contract.  I feel like they have me dangling on a string as I've been there so little time that they can get rid of my with one weeks notice and say redundancy yet my contract I have to give them 3 months notice although, they can then make me redundant during my notice period so ACAS have told me.

I'm so mad.  I'm also in the process of moving so I NEED my salary to secure a mortgage.  I feel like I am being completely done over and sold a role that never existed in the first instance.  What can I do?  I'm obviously applying for jobs like crazy now but I could potentially end up being homeless if I've sold my house and can't get a mortgage.

Plenty of jobs dont turn out how either party imagined. You say it was a newly created role and so therefore they have no real basis other than hypothesis to base any description on. 

I know for some people you've described their perfect role, and have known people managed to keep such a role for a decade or more... forgotten by the system, no objectives/deliverables but 12 regular pay checks a year for doing almost nothing. 

As you have less than 2 years tenure with them it wouldn't be a case of redundancy but simply letting you go... you have very few rights as an employee before 2 years are up. 

Presumably you aren't in negative equity with your property and so whilst I understand the fears of the sale falling through if you have employment issues melodrama of saying you'll be homless/living on the streets doesn't help.

TELLIT01

I was on the other end of a situation like this - I was the person doing the recruiting.  What we advertised the job as, was exactly what we expected the job to be, but things changed dramatically shortly after the new person started and it did end up being a pretty mundane and boring role.  He and I both hoped the situation would improve over time and he hung in there for about 12 months before moving on.  I don't think it looks bad to leave a role after 6 months if it hasn't lived up to promises or expectation.

Sponz

I won't be able to secure a rental if I have no employment. That's how it works in the rental market.  I also won't be able to get a mortgage for the same reason.  I am in a situation where I am having to sell my home.  I wouldn't say that is melodramatic.  They do have to go through the redundancy process even if I haven't been there two years, however, I am not entitled to redundancy pay.

MovingForwards

If you want instant stability stop the sale of your current house and purchase of new one. Then find another job.

I was offered a role which sounded like it ticked a lot of boxes, I made it to 6 months before putting my notice in as it was nothing like I was told. I've money in the bank, waiting a start date for a new job (have a conditional offer) and will temp until the unconditional offer is received while also applying for other roles. 

Only you know your position and the amount of jobs available for your experience.

Ath_Wat

Have you moved in order to take up this job, or is the move entirely unconnected?

Ditzy_Mitzy

There's a lot here that seems slightly overwrought.  The job does exist, in real terms.  You are employed, you work and you receive a salary ergo you have a job.  It may not be what you want, but that's life.  If you don't like it look for a new one, something you're already doing by the sounds of things; if you can put up with it, stay.  

Moving on: the loss of the contract in February 2023 is a concern, but it's not an immediate one.  February 2023 is the best part of a year away.  That gives you significant time to look for a new job or, crucially, to wait for another six months if you must.  You have sufficient time to work for the employer for a calendar year and to look for an alternative job afterwards before February 2023.  Don't do that, however, as you'll only be doing so to conform to a point of principle.  Points of principle are often pointless, when viewed pragmatically.  

Moving house: do you live alone, or is there someone else involved with the move?  Is it contingent on anything and do you have to do it?  The other point is that if you are in the process of moving, completion is likely to occur prior to February 2023.  Mortgage approvals are based on the applicant's circumstances at the time the application is made, not the applicant's predictions regarding what she or he will be doing in nine months' time.  

Smile!  Your circumstances could be a Hell of a lot worse.  Look for another job and be positive when interviewers ask about why you want to leave where you are.  If you make the case that it's rubbish convincingly enough, they, prospective employers, are likely to look upon your decision to leave as soon as possible favourably.  It shows you've got gumption and that you aren't someone to sit around stewing when not happy.  

penners324

What does your contract say about notice periods by both sides?
Acas are only quoting the law, your contract is what matters.

lincroft1710

Sponz said:

  They do have to go through the redundancy process even if I haven't been there two years, however, I am not entitled to redundancy pay.

If you have been there less than 2 years you can just be dismissed with either statutory notice (or contract notice, if longer) without any need for any redundancy process.

TELLIT01

Sponz said:

I won't be able to secure a rental if I have no employment. That's how it works in the rental market.  I also won't be able to get a mortgage for the same reason.  I am in a situation where I am having to sell my home.  I wouldn't say that is melodramatic.  They do have to go through the redundancy process even if I haven't been there two years, however, I am not entitled to redundancy pay.

I may be corrected, but I don't think they do have to go through a redundancy process if somebody has been employed for less than 2 years.  The company can simply terminate employment without even giving a reason in the first 2 years, unless it's a market sector with specific rules.

Undervalued

Sponz said:

Just over 6 months ago I joined a company in a newly created role.  I was sold the job as being exciting, busy, no two days are the same.  One month down the line and it was not that at all.  It was quiet, dull and boring. I previously was self employed and worked all hours god sends so I thought I was maybe out of touch with what being employed was like.  I kept asking my manager for extra work, if there was anything I could help with.  I got a bit extra but nothing much so I decided I'd ride it out 12 months and go elsewhere.  My Manager was always off dog walking, dog training and quite frankly I don't think she does much at all.  I feel like I've been employed to pick up the stuff she can't be bothered to do. I was considering leaving but I just think less than 12 months in a role always raises questions to future employers. 

Less that 2 months in my employer loses their biggest contract.  Now when I say lose, they're not gone yet but they will be gone by Feb 2023 so there is still work supporting this client.  At 6 months I had my probation meeting with my Manager.  I was told I had passed  but also told my job is not secure, a lot has changed since the role was advertised and that there is some junior customer service role that I might want to consider alongside what I am doing.  I was told not to say anything to anyone about it.  I asked for details of what the role would entail and was told I'd be updated.  2 weeks later my Manager has not even contacted me about anything at all.  Nothing.  I just feel like I have been completely mis-sold a role.  At no point since I joined has it been busy at all.  My manager is terrible.  She used to check in with me every 3 weeks maybe but since the the probation meeting she barely has anything to do with me and I am not part of any team at all so I have nobody to discuss this with. I've got a feeling they will make me redundant based on what's happening as I feel I am deliberately being pushed out and they're trying to blame this client cancelling the contract.  I feel like they have me dangling on a string as I've been there so little time that they can get rid of my with one weeks notice and say redundancy yet my contract I have to give them 3 months notice although, they can then make me redundant during my notice period so ACAS have told me.

I'm so mad.  I'm also in the process of moving so I NEED my salary to secure a mortgage.  I feel like I am being completely done over and sold a role that never existed in the first instance.  What can I do?  I'm obviously applying for jobs like crazy now but I could potentially end up being homeless if I've sold my house and can't get a mortgage.

They don't have to say "redundancy" or indeed anything at all. There is no means of forcing them to give a reason.

As you realise, sadly you can be dismissed with just one week's notice unless your contract requires more. 

There is no legal requirement for the contractual notice periods to be equal either way, it is (well was) a matter for negotiation before you accepted the contract.

These sort of situations are very disappointing. However unless you are able to negotiate some fairly unusual special terms, which normally only happens in "head hunted" situations and at a senior level, this is the chance you take when changing jobs.