Any Entitlements

BizzyC

Basically, someone I know was recently laid off work for no reason, other than not recognising the managers sister, over the phone.

The manager is a really stuck up bit**, and her sister was offended when they asked who it was, even though this is the standard protocol they were told to use, and they were told to ask everyone who asked for the manager.
They were signed up to a 6 month probabtionary contract.

They got on great with the rest of the office, and the other employees all commented on how she was doing a much better job than previous people in her role.

My question is though, since she was given no reason, since the company had no reason, are they entitled to anything?

I just dont know what the story is, because it was a probabtionary contract.
Cheers.

AARRRGH

Somehow I don't think this is the full story...

nesf

The Unfair Dismissals Act doesn't apply to people on probationary contracts except in the case of Trade Union membership being the reason for the dismissal.


Tbh afaik, with a probationary contract you have little comeback to being dismissed. None, iirc. That's the way they work and it's usually written into the contract that you sign.

leeroybrown

As nesf says, probationary contracts (definitely any I've signed) generally allow either party to terminate the contract at any time. It's unfortunate but obviously not everyone liked your friend.

BizzyC

Actually, that really is the whole story.....honestly.
I cant believe it myself, but there you go. They never did anything wrong, the kind of person who wouldn't take personal calls at work, in case they got in trouble.

One more thing though, in order to terminate a contract, does the employer not have to do so in writing, with a reason for dismissal?
All they got from their direct manager was, "We have to let you go, there was a problem with your telephone or something".
Complete BS in my opinion. No way for an office this well known to operate...

nesf

You aren't entitled to writing notice. They can give verbal afaik. Usually it's written for long term employees, but for newish ones there isn't the same formality.

Plus, probationary contracts don't really need a reason.

My advice for your friend is to just get over it and move onto the next job. Don't dwell on why, just move on. It's not worth caring about.

BizzyC

Fair enough.
Just wanted to check, cause it's a bit of a bullsh!t thing to sack someone who never did anything wrong.

AARRRGH

Seriously, there has to be more to this story. She must have done something she won't admit to you.

But anyway...

You are only protected by law if you've been in the company for more than two years. She should just move on.

She COULD go to the "Rights Commissioner" but they are powerless.

BizzyC

dublindude wrote:

Seriously, there has to be more to this story. She must have done something she won't admit to you.

No, believe me, not that kind of person.

Only other reason may be that they were able to get their job up to date while they were there, it was months behind schedule, and maybe they didn't need someone anymore, since they were up to date...