Unfair dismissal from work

[tgm1974]

I have been working for a small solicitor firm for the past 7 weeks. When I joined the company I was not given any contract to sign and all I recd was a letter with my pay, hours and holiday entitlement.

I was employed to manage a team of 5 people alongside another manager who had been there for 6 months prior to me arriving. When I was first interviewed I explained to the Manager (owner of the company) that I knew nothing about the type of work they did. He was aware of this and explained that he was more interested in the way I worked and handled caseloads, plus he said he would teach me the law side, no problem.

For the first 4 weeks I was in learning mode - being taught all I needed to know and buidling my confidence in a new environment. I was then asked, by the Manager (owner) if I would mind working alongside one of the solicitors as he was overloaded with work and this would help them out along with adding to my knowledge. I did was I was told ........ then on Friday I was asked to come to the Managers office. I was informed that they "didnt think it was working" and that he wouldnt require me back in work on the Monday!!

I was totally taken aback by these comments as Id had no previous indiciation that he was unhappy with my work. To the point I had recently seen a complimentary email to another Manager telling them what "a gem" I was.

As I was within my 3 month probation - can this be done without warning. Surely I should have been told that he thought I was underperforming and given me the chance to rectify any issues but NOTHING. I know I worked my gut off in that place and I know it has to be some other underlying issue but I just cant pin point him or it!!

HELP!!

[CheekyChops]

I don't think that there is much you can do - you were still in your probation period as you say and you can't take them to a tribunal for unfair dismissal as you have worked there less than 12 months.

[factor-fiction]

Yes, as Cheeky Chops says, unfortunately you cannot bring an unfair dismissal claim.. WIthin the first year employers can dismiss you pretty much for no reason at all.

However, after 7 weeks you should have been entitled to some notice (depends on your contract but i think the minimum would be a week- Buildersmate will know), for which you should be paid. Also you would have earned some holidays, so if you haven't taken any you might be able to ask for holiday pay as well.

[buildersmate]

Yup, one week's notice, unless the letter / document such as you had said more than that. Plus money for the holiday pay.
Appalling behaviour by the organisation, but unfortunately not a lot you can do about it.