Can I have your views on this?

[tubeway]

My youngest son completed his engineering apprenticeship at a large international company last September. Due to the economic climate they did not take on any apprentices - so he got a temporary job that was as an engineer. When that work finished he got another job (not engineering) for a security company - it was not his sort of thing but he wanted to work. He then got offered a job for a large manufacturing company local to us as an engineer - which is just what he was looking for. The first 3 months were to be training on the machines - and then join his shift. he was told that he would have to buy his own tools - which he spent a lot of money on - but saw it as an investment in his future.
He had been there for 2 weeks - and was happy and doing well (he was told) when last weekend he came down with winter vomiting sickness. It was a geniune illness and it spread through the family like wildfire. After being very ill on the Sunday night he texted his manager and contacted the gatehouse (as per company procedure) to say that he could not go to work on Monday. He was off sick for another day and went back to work on Wednesday.
On Thursday afternoon he was called up to the office and told that he was being sacked. He said that it was a geniune illness and the first time that he had taken any sick for over 3 years (he was not even paid sick). He was told that they did not care he was going. He was told that his training was not going well either - his manager was there and said that he was behind in his training but that was not my sons fault. My son was then told that the decision had been made and he was going.
I know that he has only been there 2 weeks so has no legal rights - but is there anything that he can do. He has done nothing wrong at all (In fact if he had gone in this could have closed the factory it spreads so easily).
What do you think he should do?
What should he have done?
What do you think of this company?

[ChuckFickens]

You've answered your own question.

He has only been there 2 weeks, they can sack because they don't like his hair colour if they want, nothing you can do about it.

What do you think he should do? Look for another job
What should he have done? In what way?
What do you think of this company? Perfectly within their rights.

[tubeway]

I know that there is nothing that he can do from a legal point of view - but I am surprised that you think that it is OK for a company to take on someone who was already working, get him to buy his own tools, then get rid of him for something that is outside his control.

What should he have done - should he have gone in while ill?

I am asking for opiniions so how can I answer my own question.

I know they are within their rights - but how would you feel if it happened to you?

(and if they did not like the colour of his hair then why take him on to begin with)

[ummmm]

The tools are an investment.

[Sachs]

Hi tube,
just saw your post there in between doing my house chores! I think he's been treated shabbily & I'd be gutted for him! They've finished him after 2 days sickness? May be it wasn't such a nice company to work for after all! He's had an early introduction to how firms can treat people, sorry for your son I'm sure he's gutted too! x

[dothawkes31]

One positive step; you should make sure yiour son takes is to confirm with the company that they will give him a good professional reference, they are not allwed to give a bad one, but they need to know that from your son's perspective he had no reason to believe his training was not considered as up to their standard and he must also put in writing to them that he is expecting them to support his request for a psitive reference .
It is one thing he can leave the cmpany stewing over, as they have to have slid grounds for refusing to give a reference and cannot in law gice a bad one.
he can ask in writing for feedback from his training mentor and as the benefit agency will need to have his firm complete a reason for his dismissal officially they would need to be clear on the reasons and mit just verabally add them on,

industry is slowly recovering and I am sure he will find a position shortly, he is in a very empoyable position being young and newly trained as he is cheaper to employ and noit set in his ways, i would add that he would find a position in either the army airforce or navy within months if he was so inclined.

[dothawkes31]

sorry for the poor typing I am not concentrating !

[dothawkes31]

Hi, yes and I have been off all week but mostly spent it doing familt history or gadding about town!!! lol

[smart1]

Did he sign a contract of employment?
Could be worth going to see a Legal Aid solicitor who specialises in Employment law (free for a half hour session) to see if he has any options?

[tamborine]

With dot's recommendations, put kindly, point out your disappointment at losing a position you valued. Point out the expense incurred for tools etc.

Ask if there is any way the company would re-consider their decision and re-employ you.

[anotheoldgit]

So sorry for your son, hope he soon gets a job at a decent firm.

In the meantime does he know he can claim tax rebate on the purchase of his tools.

It is a sad fact that being a white male worker, (if indeed that is what he is) he has no protection at all.

I am sorry to bring race and sexism into it but it is a fact, let anyone say otherwise.

[Everhelpful]

Probably better off in the long run not working for a Company like that.

[theonlyone]

I hope your son gets another job soon , at least he wants to work as many
would rather be on the benefit system . Good Luck to the boy .