How Would You React to This Ominous Last Minute Letter from Employer?

debtslave2024

I was recently employed on a 3 month probationary contract, for a major retailer that has significant underlying financial issues. The contract was given with the view of possibly going permanent after 3 months. I thought my personal performance was not bad, I was not the slowest person in a very physical job, with early rises of 3 to 4 am for minimum wage. However, some managers did express that I was “too slow,” in their opinion (which I disputed.)

Towards the end of the second month, I started to ask multiple management staff members if my employment would be extended or terminated by the end of month 3. Nobody, would give me a straight answer, but I did get a tip off from a lower level sympathetic manager “probably not.”

Anyway, barely 7 days before my contract ends I get a very ominous letter, at the very last minute. Here are some key points that raised immediate alarm:

- The purpose of the meeting is to formally review your performance and capability during your probationary period.

- Please be aware that a potential outcome of the meeting could be an extension to your probationary period or the termination of your employment.

-  You may bring someone with you to the meeting if you wish. This could be either a work colleague or a union representative. (very difficult given that I received the letter only 2 days before the meeting.)

- A note taker will be present.

- I therefore suggest that you prepare carefully for the meeting. (very difficult given that I received the letter 2 only days before the meeting.)

How did I personally react to the letter? Given the tip off, the last minute timing, and wording, I took it very negatively, and refused to attend the meeting. The manager seemed to hint it was just procedure, and I should return for the meeting. I did return to work, asked other staff on the same contract length if they got the letter. The answer was NO. Oddly, the staff I asked are even slower than me.

After hearing that other staff did not get the letter, I walked out the door in the middle of the cold night, never to return (quit with no notice.)

My brain told me that at the very least I had failed the probationary period, and that the most likely outcome with over 98% probability was termination of contract.

How would you have reacted to the letter in the above context?

DE_612183

I would have attended the meeting - after all they say the outcome could go one of two ways - at least if you attended you could have understood their concerns officially and responded in perhaps a positive way - if they say you are too slow - how fast do I need to be etc?

Even if they had decided to let you go, you could have at least negotiated some sort of reference for the good points of your employment - which could be used at a later date.

Now not only have you had a termination of contract, any reference you get in the future will state that you walked out.

Also walking out I would think means no benefits, whereas if they terminated your contract you'd get something straight away.

Ayr_Rage

If your username is anything to go by, I would have attended the meeting and tried to keep the job.

Not your best move especially if you want a reference.

No idea as I have never done so, but quitting like that may preclude you claiming benefits, other will know.

debtslave2024

To the previous posts. I do not want a reference, and do not plan to claim benefits. I will also add, for these type of low level/minimum wage jobs that seem to predominate in the job market these days - they do not normally ask for or check up on references. They are “pump and dump” jobs, easy to fill, easy to fire.

I will also add, I just could not continue working in a hard job for an employer, that left me in mental limbo for many weeks with regards to the continuation of my employment (I actually thought it showed total contempt for the welfare of a member of staff.)

DE_612183

debtslave2024 said:

To the previous posts. I do not want a reference, and do no plan to claim benefits. I will also add, for these type of low level/minimum wage jobs that seem to predominate in the job market these days - they do not normally ask for or check up on references. They are “pump and dump” jobs, easy to fill, easy to fire.

I will also add, I just could not continue working in a hard job for an employer, that left me in mental limbo for many weeks (I actually thought it showed total contempt for the welfare of a member of staff.)

Ok, if they are easy to fill easy to fire - why are you questioning your judgement of walking out?

If it's that easy to get another job I wouldn't worry and would just get on with life.

MeteredOut

It sounds like a pro-forma letter to me (probably written by HR/legal), but if others on the same probation period did not receive it, you are probably right that you were not going to be extended anyway.

I'd still have attended, as I'd want to know where my performance let me down so I could learn from it in future roles.

Sarahspangles

It does sound like the meeting where they would have told you that your contract wouldn’t be extended post probation. But you may have got some objective feedback. Where do you stand with your final pay cheque? They may have let you go with a couple of days paid leave.

debtslave2024

@MeteredOut It just wasn’t a job worth defending any more. I mean they asked a middle aged woman with arthritis to stay on (in a heavy lifting position.) In my mind there was no point in trying to get “feedback” from someone with such perverse decision making. I think my downfall was, I defended myself.

Emmia

25 years ago, I quit a job as you did by walking out, but I had told my employer I was leaving, handed my notice in only for the employer to decide to triple my notice period (which would coincidentally cover the busy Xmas period). I just left after my shift on what I'd told them was my last woking day, handing in my till card, and name badge as I left.

Unlike you I had a job to go to, the job I walked out on was my second job (my new job was also a second job) - so for employment purposes it was never mentioned on my CV. I was also a student at the same time.

The employer sent me a letter telling me they'd never re-employ me, and they considered it job abandonment... I didn't want to work for them ever again, so this is no problem.

It felt great walking out. Zero regrets. However in your shoes OP, I'd have gone to the meeting.

debtslave2024

@Sarahspangles. “ They may have let you go with a couple of days paid leave. ” I phoned a manager last night and confirmed that they had to pay me for work done to date. Maybe I am misunderstanding you, but are you suggesting that they could legally pay me, a fraction of the amount I am owed?

Sarahspangles

debtslave2024 said:

@Sarahspangles. “ They may have let you go with a couple of days paid leave. ” I phoned a manager last night and confirmed that they had to pay me for work done to date. Maybe I am misunderstanding you, but are you suggesting that they could legally pay me, a fraction of the amount I am owed?

What does your contract say about notice during the probation period? If they give you notice they will pay you to the end of the notice but likely not ask you to go in. If you walk off without giving notice you’re in breach of contract.

Hope you find something better suited soon.