Can I be sacked

[Fish the Mod]

Nearly a year ago I made redundant as a internal technical sales guy, it was no surprise as our main competitor undercut us and was a large nationwide company. The company I was working for sold thier customer data base to this competitor and I was invited to join them as an external rep. My first thought was I didnt think this would be an all year job but I would look for new customers as well as the exsisting ones. I dont have a target myself as it's a slow burner buisness, our customers have customers but the monthly targets have doubled. My boss has concerns that he dosent think it is working with me though I have knocked on doors when its been quiet. My barriers have been, no training, no adverts in trade mags ( like our competitors) no website as yet. As far as I know, I havent done anything wrong and I know deep down that I am a people person not an agressive saleman. Can I be sacked- meetings this Friday

[Yinzer]

Yes you can. I am currently taking business classes at the "Uni" and the main point that can't be stressed enough is that if there's something that you won't/can't do, they'll fire you and hire someone who will. How can you justify your paycheck? Can you get training: a few university classes, a few books and some computer software? What do you need to get an advert in a trade mag? or a website? It doesn't matter how good of a person you are, like they say "always business, never personal". Perhaps this isn't the field for you if you are not the aggressive salesman they need. But I assume you need the job regardless, and I think you should just stick to finding ways to make yourself needed more than the bit of money they'll save by sacking you. Just in case though, get your resume ready. I'm not trying to be mean or anything, but it's a cut-throat business world and hopefully preparing for and defending against that will help you in your endeavors. Maybe you can transfer to a different position within the company (both my father and husband did this). This will require new training but may inspire new interests. Have a talk with your boss when you feel it's safe. Best of luck on Friday.

[Oneeyedvic]

However, if you are taken on to do a job, if they double the targets and then sack you citing the reason as you not reaching the targets, it MAY be possible for you to take the company to tribunal for "constructive dismisall". If you have told the company about your concerns they have a duty of care. It should be in your contract but you should normally have to receive warnings and or development plans before you can be sacked. Your local citizens advice bureau may be able to help. I do howver agree with Yinzer that you may be in the wrong job. There are plenty of sales jobs that do not require you to be an agressive sale man. I too am in sales and stopped working for one comany as the only way I could sell their product was by scare tactics - not he way i want to sell at all.

[Lal]

Is there a marketing department at all? Can you get someone from there to help you put forward the notion that you need more advertising... Someone from the training dept to sell the idea of more training... Someone from personnel dept or HR that will help you argue the point of setting attainable (ie if not attainable they are demotivating). If they fire you definately take them to the industrial tribuneral. It will take a while but you will win in the end. Also if they do fire you make sure to go to your Doc and say you cant eat or sleep etc due to the stress, this will strengthen your case in court. Make sure minutes of the meeting are taken and you get a copy.. if minutes arent taken your walking on thin ice i.e no proof. If your a member of a trade union then get a rep to come along with you. Above all, stay calm and totally think about what is happening - emotions can stop you thinking properly, just take your time. Good luck

[jimmer]

your best bet is to prepare very thoroughly and go into the meeting armed to the teeth with action points to improve your effectivness acknowledge your bosses concerns and come up with constructive ways to address these concerns in the short run and the longer term. Its not a guarantee but if your boss can see you are motivated, are aware of what is wrong and have a realistic and workable plan to improve he is more likely to back you. If you can get over this hurdle, try and work with your boss to find ways to improve further. if you can get your boss to invest in you in this way you will be focusing on mutually beneficial goals. jim

[Yinzer]

Hey it's Friday now and I actually want to know how things went. Please post.

[Fish the Mod]

I was sacked. He said that he needed to make the postion redundance and due to poor results they were teminating my contract. I was given four weeks pay. I will appeal for compensation because we had a profit scheme paid out at the end of the year and I was sacked just 3 months before. Also I was never given a documented 1st 2nd warnings ( we did speak over the last few months but no idication of my contract terminating) Watch this space

[Yinzer]

Oh, I'm terribly sorry to hear about your misfortune.

Well look at this as a new opportunity, out with the old in with the new.

Best wishes on finding a new job. Cheers!