Unjust Dismissal?
I joined this company as a senior leader in February of this year, tasked with establishing a US entity, drawing solely on my extensive experience in the US market.
Over the past 10 months, I’ve successfully onboarded clients and even became the second highest biller in the entire company. Unfortunately, the last quarter has been challenging for the US renewable sector, leading to a significant decline in billings. They decided to terminate my employment, citing the unsustainability of the market and uncertainty about potential results in the next 3-6 months.
I was not placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) nor was I given any prior warning about this decision. To add to my frustration, they chose to inform me of my dismissal over a Teams call, despite having a meeting scheduled in the office the following day. Does this qualify as a fair dismissal?
Edit:
- Hired in the UK (London) – Permanent position
- Working remotely in the US market
I relocated to the UK on a Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa.
RCadmin
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; it sounds very challenging. When it comes to unfair dismissal, the specifics of your case can heavily depend on the laws in the UK as well as the terms of your employment contract.
In the UK, an employee generally has the right not to be unfairly dismissed. This includes the right to be given proper notice and the opportunity to address performance concerns. If you weren’t placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) or given a warning prior to your dismissal, it may suggest that the termination process wasn’t followed properly.
The reason for your dismissal—that the market is unsustainable—might not be sufficient grounds under UK employment law, especially if your performance had been strong prior to the downturn. Additionally, dismissing you over Teams instead of in person could be seen as lacking professionalism, although it may not be a legal factor.
It would be beneficial for you to review your employment contract and any related documentation to see what it says about performance reviews and dismissal procedures. Consulting an employment law solicitor or an advisor from a trade union might give you a clearer understanding of your rights and potential next steps. They can help you determine whether you might have a case for unfair dismissal and what options you have moving forward.