Dismissed from job

[rosenante]

I resigned from my previous job in July as I was sick to death of the office manager and the way she spoke to me. She was a right nasty piece of work and I couldn't stand it any longer. I signed on with the job centre. The week before last I was offered a job within an hour of having been interviewed. I started the job on Tuesday. Went to work this morning and was told things weren't working out(?) and they were dismissing me. I was shocked to the core. I have worked for 40 years and have never had this happen to me. The reasons given were ridiculous as far as I am concerned. I am so upset and embarrassed. When I returned home I phoned the guy who fired me to ask if the decision to get rid of me after only 4 days was anything to do with a reference from my previous employer and he said that it wasn't. I can't understand why this has happened as I got on really well with the other women, did everything that was asked of me, was always 30 mins early in the morning and believe my on the job training was going well. I have a feeling he may have telephoned for a reference and spoke to her - is there anything I can do?

[factor-fiction]

Good luck but i doubt you'll get anywhere. The new employer has given a reason and I can't see any grounds to challenge it- you can't claim unfair dismissal in these circumstances if you've been there less than a year, and I can't see anyone admitting it was due to the reference.

[tamborine]

Previous employers refrain from giving references as they can be sued for false info.

Put this one behind you and search again.......it's their loss as you were a keen employee.

[dothawkes31]

I would ring acas and ask their advice, as if you do believe that your former employer has made detremental comments about you to another employer, you have grounds to ask for them to be questioned about it. I would also speak to the local Employment Tribunal people about contructive dismissal from your previous job. Ask acas,
08445 46 47 is their helpline number I think. You should not be in this position at all.

[rosenante]

Thanks to you all for your comments and advice. I reported the circumstances to the Jobcentre yesterday as it was them that I got the job through. I have an appointment with the Citizens Advice Bureau next week. Right now I'm off to the seaside for a picnic!

[buildersmate]

You have 3 months from date of dismissal to lodge any claim for constructive dismissal at an ET. If you were dismissed in July, your time is fast running out.