Wish I hadn't gone to work

[debtfreesusie67]

Thanks Paul

[MelanieGiles]

That's great advice from IRH to see if you have legal cover as part of your home insurance policy. I have a friend who is currently taking similar action against her former employer and the legal costs are all being covered by her policy.

[debtfreesusie67]

I will need to look at the policy. I'm not sure if it will be applicable because the home insurance is in my dads name.

Sue

[IRHR]

It's surprising how many people dont realise they have this cover and if they did I'm sure there would be more claims against bad employers who take chances and flout the law safe in the knowledge some people just cant be bothered to challenge them or think it will be expensive.
It actually isnt that bad to represent yourself in a tribunal, it is very different to the criminal courts, although these days it is acknowledged that most employers will pay for representation and that makes the balance uneven in a lot of cases e.g. where a case is perhaps borderline meaning the no win no fee lawyers dont want to know. However the tribunals do give lots of guidance to individuals representing themselves.

[neil277]

Hi Bluesusie67

I would go to the C.A.B to start with (ITS FREE OF CHARGE), they will take a look at your case and decide with action to take, i would say your contract was terminated because you took to musch time off and the debt-IVA was there way out.
If a person can become and MP OR Prime Minister under an IVA then i feel you have a very strong case against the company you worked for please take action against its your rights.

Did they allow you to have a Representative with you? this is law and look at your rights with money due to you, please go the CAB A.S.A.P.

Keep your chin up one door closes and another one will open.

Regards.

Neil

[Adam Davies]

Hi
You should first of all use your right of appeal with your employer,this will be contained in your termination letter.Use this route in full
Good luck

[chris.g]

Certainly worth a try Sue.
It's horrendous the way ING have treat you, and I would say that you are well out of it!
Company's tend to 'close ranks' when something like this happens so I'm not surprised you're having trouble getting the audio for the meeting. It sounds to me as if they have used your debt as an excuse to cease your employment. You're probably right about it coming down to your sickness.
Be glad you don't have to work there anymore but try to get some justice for yourself and the way you were dismissed, try to clear your employment record if nothing else.
Try to keep your chin up and stay strong,
xx

[Soulgrowth]

Just wanted to say what valuable input you offer IRH ... welcome to the Forum, I do hope that you stay around as you may well be able to help lots of other people.

Sue ... what's the name of that establishment again?

Debbie

[IRHR]

Having had financial difficulties myself I can say I'm hooked so will stay around! In my work I see the employment aspect from both sides and it really infuriates me when some employers are heavy handed when there really is no need, in this case it seems there were alternatives that could have been explored.

[smr]

Hi Sue
Not been around for a few days so only just catching up on the post. I am so sorry things turned out the way they have for you. As I have said in other posts, it really annoys me when employers take this type of stance when there are real alternatives to dismissal.

IF you decide to take this matter further - and I strongly reccommend that you do - there is a specific route to take with regards to appealing aginst the decision. This is prescribed for in law and if you do not fulfil this part, any claim you may bring may be rejected on the basis that you have not exhausted your right of appeal.
The appeal details should be provided to you in writing along with their official dismissal letter. The company should also provide you with every piece of evidence they used to get to their decision, including the recording of the disciplinary hearing. I am also assuming that the decision was not given at the meeting, if it was then this would indicate that they had pre-judged the outcome regardless of what you may or may not have said, again grounds to support your claim.
As I don't know the full ins and outs it is difficult for me to give you any specific advice, however you could have a potential claim for constructive or/and unfair dismissal. I am more than happy to provide any advice / guidance that I can, perhaps IRH and I may be able help if you decide to take this further.

I know it seems alot to have to deal with and I suppose that's the first decision you have to make - do you want to do something about it or do you just want to put it down to experience. Whichever decision you take, it is your decision and you will be respected for whatver route you take.

If you don't want to take it further and want help with your CV again, just let me know.

By the way IRH - welcome to the Forum. I am a HR Director for a private PLC, good to have a fellow professional on board.

Sharon

[batawi3]

I am very sorry to hear about your experience Sue, it is just shocking how organisations can sometimes be heartless. I would agree with Sharon, I have some knowledge on employment law and in a nutshell they should not be able to bind you to the amendment with regards to the IVA and BR policy unless it was clearly communicated to you. It woudl be very useful to have a Union rep in the meeting. I trust that it will all work out for you, we will all be thinking of you

[s.b.w]

Great advice smr.

We're all hear from you and wish you only the best of luck.

Shaz

[debtfreesusie67]

Hi Sharon Thanks for your advice. They gave me their decision at the end of the meeting. They had a adjournment and then when I went back in I was told I was dismissed for Gross Misconduct. I have sent a letter today asking for a copy of my personnel file and again for a copy of the recording that was made.

The problem is I didn't appeal in the time limit. I should have notified them that I was going to appeal by Friday but I couldn't go through the experience again.

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice

Sue

[animaleyes76]

Hi, Completely off topic but you didn't know @ ING did you?

[debtfreesusie67]

I didn't sorry. Was he in Reading or Cardiff?

Sue