And so it has come to pass. I went to work this morning and was called in to the boardroom (after I had made everyone cups of coffee, natch).
Both bosses and little old me. I was told my job was no longer tenable and it was for my own good that I should leave. Bear with me on this one.
I was sacked for two reasons:
First, my job is not viable any more. Thanks largely to being stealthily stripped of my duties over the last year, so I agree with them on that point. Second, my ‘health problems’ mean I can no longer work at the office. What if I were to trip? What if I am too tired one day?
I know this is highly illegal. I know I should fight. And I did, kind of. I asked to be allowed to stay for two months, until I found another job and to see me over Christmas. They will let me know their decision in a day or so. One boss seemed stunned that I couldn’t just go ‘straight onto benefits’ and even suggested the time I would now have on my hands would be a positive thing for me. A bit of space. He obviously lives in Daily Mail world where all disabled people on benefits sit back and coin it in.
I pointed out several times that I should have been offered the chance to bring a representative with me, especially as they are sacking me primarily on grounds of health and they had obviously had the whole weekend to construct a dismissal plan. Gratifyingly, this seemed to alarm them, but it’s cold comfort.
I am still waiting to hear back from my last job interview – hoping to get lucky. But for now, I’m going to take my big box of tissues, a family-sized bar of chocolate and a bottle of red wine, sit on the sofa and cry my eyes out.
(if this is your first visit to my blog – check out ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ post from last week – it’ll explain the background to this sorry tale).
Hi there.
Sorry to hear what happened. What a bunch of wa. . .idiots.
Just found this: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/employment/redundancy-and-leaving-your-job/dismissal/fair-reasons-for-dismissal.htm
“If you have a disability (which may include long-term illness), your employer has a legal duty to try to find a way round the problem. They must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to how and/or where you work. Dismissal because of a disability may be unlawful discrimination.”
Enjoy your choccy and wine and try not to get too stressed – something good will come out of all this.
Best, JJ
Thanks Jan!
Am looking into loads of legislation right now and have left a message with an MS lawyer. Decisions, decisions….
x
Un-FLIPPIN-believable! I know it is hard to think about fighting this but you should gal! At the very least do a consult with a lawyer just to see where you stand and what they think would be involved and then decide if you can handle fighting it. But for today, eat all the chocolate and drink that wine. Much love and thoughts for you *BIG BEAR HUGS*
Thank you!
So nice to know people are thinking of me. Don’t feel quite so alone, lol.
Now where did I leave that voodoo doll….
x
i picked up this awful situation from your post on Shift.MS – this is unbelievable!
the MS Society published Working Yet Worried – this has some good info in it: http://www.mssociety.org.uk/sites/default/files/Documents/Core%20pubs/Working%20yet%20worried%201210%20-%20web.pdf
i can’t say anything massively helpful but the Disability Law Service has an MS Specialist Lawyer – i might have her name at home when i get back? or just call their general line on 020 7791 9800
keep on keepin’ on!
just googled – proper contact details here:
http://www.dls.org.uk/advice/ms/index.html
Thanks Steve,
Have downloaded it and working my way through it! And just got off the phone to DLS – Katrina, the lawyer is going to call me back next Monday. Her assistant seems to think I’ve got a pretty good case.
Such a lot of great support out there!
x
Keep us posted lady! We are rooting for you!! *hugs*
I will. Thanks for the hugs! x
That is shocking, especially the bit where they suggest you should go straight onto benefits. Jeez. I think you should try and get something out of them. They have behaved very badly. Good luck!
Thanks Lucy!
x