Subject: Unfair Dismissal Concerns
Hello everyone,
I’m currently facing a concerning situation regarding my job, and I would appreciate your insights. I’ve recently completed five months of a six-month probation period at my new job when, at the end of my shift on January 3rd, I was called into the conference room. There, I was informed that my contract was being terminated immediately.
The reason given for my dismissal was that a job I completed two weeks before Christmas was considered “too slow.” I want to clarify that I have successfully completed over 30 jobs since I started, and all of them were finished on time and without issues. In fact, there were instances where we were encouraged to slow down and prioritize safety.
This particular job involved operating heavy metal press machines and handling sheet metal, which is inherently dangerous and requires a measured approach for health and safety reasons. It feels as though this dismissal may have personal motives, especially considering that my manager, who has a reputation for being somewhat intimidating, has previously attempted to bully me.
Given these circumstances, I’m wondering if my dismissal qualifies as unfair or wrongful without notice. Should I consider contesting this decision?
I appreciate any advice or guidance you all can provide.
Thank you!
RCadmin
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds really frustrating. Based on what you’ve shared, there are a few points to consider regarding whether your dismissal may be considered unfair or wrongful.
Probation Period: During a probation period, employers often have more flexibility to terminate contracts, but that doesn’t mean they can dismiss employees for unfair or discriminatory reasons. If the dismissal is based on performance issues that weren’t communicated to you prior, that could be a factor against it being fair.
Lack of Feedback: If you were not given any warnings or constructive feedback regarding your performance leading up to the dismissal, that’s a significant point. Effective communication about expectations and performance issues generally is important in any job.
Health and Safety: You mentioned that the nature of the work required care and could not be rushed. If your speed was compliant with safety standards and if you were told to take your time with certain jobs, this could strengthen your case as well.
Possible Targeting: If you feel that this dismissal stems from personal issues with your manager or bullying, document any instances of negative treatment. It may help to gather evidence or witness accounts that support your claims.
Consulting Professional Advice: It’s often a good idea to consult with a labor lawyer or a relevant workforce advisory service in your area. They can give you advice tailored to your specific situation and the laws that apply.
Company Policies: Review your employee handbook or the company’s policies on termination and probation periods. This may give you clarity on your rights and the procedures that should have been followed.
If you believe your dismissal was unfair and you have documentation to support your claims, it could be worthwhile to contest it. Document everything thoroughly and consider reaching out to a legal professional for personalized advice. Good luck!