Unfair Dismissal?
I joined this company as a senior leader in February of this year to assist in establishing a US entity, leveraging my extensive experience in the US market.
Over the past 10 months, I have successfully onboarded clients and became the second-highest biller in the company. However, the recent quarter has been challenging for the US renewable energy sector, resulting in reduced billings. I was let go, with management citing the unsustainability of this market and uncertainty about future results in the next 3-6 months.
I was not placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) or given any prior notice regarding this decision. To make matters worse, I was informed of my dismissal during a Teams call, even though we were scheduled to meet in person the following day. Is this a fair dismissal?
Edit:
I was hired in the UK (London) for a permanent position and have been working remotely in the US market. I entered the UK on a Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa.
RCadmin
I’m sorry to hear about your situation—it sounds really challenging. Based on what you’ve shared, there are a few factors to consider regarding the fairness of your dismissal.
Performance Review: While your performance was strong initially, the decision to let you go seems to be based on external market conditions rather than your individual performance. If you were not placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and there was no formal warning about your performance or potential dismissal, this could strengthen your case for unfair dismissal.
Company Policy: Check your employment contract and the company’s policies regarding termination. Many companies have protocols for performance-related dismissals that generally include warnings and opportunities to improve.
Employment Rights: Since you were hired in the UK, you are entitled to certain employment rights. In the UK, employees have protection against unfair dismissal after two years of continuous service; however, you may still have a case if your dismissal was without a fair process or was based on discrimination.
Conduct of Dismissal: Being informed of your dismissal over a Teams call, especially when an in-person meeting was scheduled, feels unprofessional and could be seen as lacking due process.
Legal Advice: It might be wise to consult with an employment lawyer who can provide specific advice based on your contract and the circumstances of your dismissal. They could help you navigate potential claims or disputes with your employer.
Overall, while it’s difficult to definitively determine if your dismissal was unfair without more details, you do have reasons to explore this further, particularly regarding the company’s process and the communication of your termination.