Worry making me ill, help please

ejones666

Thanks all.

I was originally suspended pending 'investigation'.

The whole thing has happened so quickly.

I really believe that the decision to sack me was made before yesterdays hearing even took place.

I must stress that I did NOT at any time make any bad comments slating my employers. I did however, give advice on certain issues which my employers are stating put them at a 'potential risk'.

All I ever did was try and give advice & opinions on this site, I still can't believe that they have sacked me for this.

My union rep was present at the meeting but they were adament that I had somehow breached my contract. Even though what I wrote was accurate & true, they are saying that it shouldn't have been broadcast onto a public domain.

I am going to appeal against the severity of the decision, and in the meantime, will have to look for temp work as I am not going to receive any further pay, I didn't even get any 'notice'.

Once I stop crying and can think clearly, I will contact CAB and possibly a solicitor.

Has anyone got any suggestions on how to explain what happened to me to any potential new employer?

lea76

Hi

I really feel for you and hope you are feeling better.

I was contructively dismissed a few years ago from a job and i went to a free legal clinic and the solicitor took my case on and didnt charge til I had been to court and she took the fee out of the money i was awarded (like no win, no fee ) have you got a local solicitor go can and see? I also had acas involved. Best thing to do is keep notes of everything you can remember whilst it is still fresh in your head, anything at all you may need it.

Also in regards to explaining why you left try and think of something positive, I was actually dismissed for being pregnant so i used to say i left to have a baby, no questions asked then. Maybe you could say you left because you wanted a career change, diff hours or something?? I think by law your old employer can only say truthful things in a reference, so if you was always on time and a good worker that would have to be in your reference. If any future employer does find out or question you about the incident honesty is probably the best policy.

Good Luck

Lea

quietheart

I do hope the jobsworth who reported you and cost you your job is having difficulty sleeping following their decision.
Makes me seeth:mad:

dollydoodah

Check your insurance to see if you are covered for legal fees on employment issues - you often are, and not many people know about it. My husband successfully claimed constructive dismissal a few years ago and we didn't pay a penny because of this cover.

I do hope it all works out for you - what industry were you in?

Best of luck, it is not a nice position to be in.

Merlot

Speak to a solicitor who can offer you a 1/2 hour free consultation.

I wish you luck,

Merlot

mum2one

The ruling on legal help as its now called is compliated on employment matters, compared to 5 years ago a lot of firms have dropped the service.

Firstly just checking I read right that ur in the union, if yes absolutely brilliant as they can fight the case for you and should it go to an employment tribunal they will arrange full legal representation.

If no union, next best step is go through your insurnace company, Ive got 2 going through at mo with the ins companies,

You need to get the appeal in asap, think its 7 or 14 days, the appeal must be heard by someone thhat is higher up in the organisation.

Push the union, even if you have to go over the head of your union rep.
x

bunty109

You really need to speak to ACAS rather than the CRB as they are employment specialists and the CRB aren't. Their helpline number is 08457 47 47 47.

You can instigiate proveedings for an employment tribunal yourself: all the information is available online and you won't need a solicitor. My OH did this after taking advice from ACAS. Once both sides have submitted their version of events then ACAS are usually asked to mediate to see if a Tribunal can be avoided (this is what happened with us).

If mediation didn't work then it would go to a Tribunal and you may well need a solicitor there, but you can certainly start proceedings and get a fair way without one.

I really can't stress enough how the ACAS helpline is of use. The CRB have their uses but on employment law, I'd strongly advise ACAS or an employment lawyer if necessary.

Good luck!

ejones666

Thank you for all your replies and suggestions.

I am speaking with my union rep tomorrow about sending them my intention to appeal. I still can't go into too much detail as I still feel that I'm being 'watched'?

I have contacted a solicitor who offers their 1st consultation for free, and, depending on the outcome, and whether I can afford it, it is my intention to take this as far as possible.

In the meantime, I have to get work, I am so worried that if I'm up front and tell the truth, any perspective new employer will automatically assume I'm trouble.

My immediate manager will stand by me, and has already written me a personal reference, but, will any new employer write to HR dept, even though I'll give them my local managers work address?

I still can't believe this has happened. Please be careful.

Toomuchdebt

I'm so sorry about this.I know which company you used to work for and I can't say it surprises me-I'm so glad I don't work for them anymore and can post what I like about them.!!!!{hugs}}}

ceridwen

Posted various suggestions and saw theyve already been made - best of luck anyway. Having now read right through your thread - am definitely wondering if they followed proper procedures in sacking you - first the verbal warning, then the written warning, etc - it does sound rather like they didnt - in which case you could well be on a winning case for an Employment Tribunal - and I would DEFINITELY bring one if I were you.

I am very sorry to hear what happened to you.

I certainly think its wise for people not to even say what type of employer they work for or their location - any identifying details re their job. If someone has given identifying details re themselves personally thats one thing (and they can always deny its them - unless its something so specific as I have 2 children and they are called x and y and I live in...). Personally - none of my posts give any indication of the type of work I do or type of employer I have or even of which country I live in. I think thats safest.

What has to be remembered these days is employers are getting more intrusive at present as regards employees private lives - and, even more to the point, a lot of them are after any excuse to sack people (as they want to reduce staff numbers anyway). Reading your post I'm very glad I have been careful about identifying details - as I had already realised its best to be wary of my employer.