Got Let Go Here are the Next Steps - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Got Let Go Here are the Next Steps - Introvert Whisperer Got Let Go? Here are the Next Steps Okay, you’ve been let go. It’s not the end of the world. Repeat: it’s not the end of the world. But it is time to get practical. Here are the immediate steps you should take after you’ve been dismissed. Make sure you haven’t been unfairly dismissed Your dismissal probably wasn’t legally unfair if it was for one of the following reasons: Misconduct Inability to do the job (including lack of necessary qualifications or failure to meet a legal requirement for that particular job) Retirement (but not compulsory retirement on the grounds of age) Redundancy. If you weren’t dismissed for any of the above reasons, and you continuously worked for your employer for two years, you could take them to an employment tribunal, which could decide that you should be reinstated in your job, given a different job within the company or be awarded compensation. Even if you didn’t work for your employer continuously for two years, you can still take your them to an employment tribunal if their main reason for dismissing you was ‘automatically unfair’. There are many forms of dismissal classed as automatically unfair, including dismissal due to pregnancy and dismissal due to membership (or non-membership) of a trade union. Make sure your employer has met their obligations Legally, your employer cannot simply wash their hands of you when they let you go. First off, they are required to give you notice. If you’ve been working in that job continuously for a month, your minimum notice period is one week. This goes up to two weeks when you’ve been working for your employer continuously for two years, with another week added for each subsequent year of work (up to a maximum of 12 weeks). Check your contract though â€" it might state that you’re entitled to longer than the legal minimum notice period. Understandably, the minimum notice periods set out in law or in your contract may not apply in cases where dismissal is for misconduct. You should be entitled to your normal weekly wages during your notice period, or sick pay if you’re off sick during that time. You might also be owed pay for holiday you haven’t taken and reimbursement for expenses. If you’ve been working in your job continuously for two years, you have the right to ask your employer to provide you with the reason(s) for your dismissal in writing. Employers have to grant these requests 14 days after they receive them. Having a written statement setting out the reasons for your dismissal can be helpful when you start to apply for other jobs. Tackle the dreaded RFL Whether your dismissal damages your chances of getting another job really depends on why you were dismissed. If you were let go for a reason that does not reflect badly on you (eg redundancy), you should be fine. A reference from your old employer should confirm that you did nothing wrong, and if you want extra confirmation, you can always ask your employer for a statement giving the reasons for your dismissal (see above). Things get trickier if you were dismissed for misconduct. If you don’t include this information on your CV or covering letter, it will probably come out in your old employer’s reference. If you don’t put your old employer down as a referee, it’s going to look strange, and if you get an interview, you’ll be asked why. One way to get around this is to ask your employer for a ‘basic reference’ stating only your dates of employment, salary and job title. However, if they know something about you that could cause problems for a new employer, they’ll probably disclose it. Otherwise, they risk being sued later down the line. It can be a good move to apply for temp work, as temps are less likely to be asked why they left their previous employment. Meanwhile, voluntary work can help you acquire new skills, more confidence, and of course, a better image. By starting a new job, paid or unpaid, you’re also broadening your options for referees. Look into benefits If you’re struggling for money, you should look into the possibility of claiming benefits. Check your eligibility using entitledto’s benefits calculator. Now for the disclaimer We at Inspiring Interns are not lawyers; the above information is intended to function as a general overview only, and is in no way definitive or authoritative. Hopefully though, it’s given you some idea of your rights, entitlements and the next steps you should take. To get an even better idea, check out the guidance given by Citizens Advice and/or the Trade Union Congress’ WorkSmart hub. You can also find useful information on gov.uk. Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer