Hopefully there will have been a grovelling apology from the manager and the IT manager has been fired!

*crosses fingers and waits*

Well, I’m back home now.

I’ve been sacked with immediatte effect!

crikey!

you need this:

http://www.employmenttribunals.gov.uk/FormsGuidance/beforeMakingRespondingClaim.htm

Complete b’stards. Get all the info and see if you can go for tribunal.

I feel for you mate. I hope they all get a bad case of piles.

They told me right at the start that they’re ‘IT consultant’ had looked at my PC on Friday, scanned for virus, malware etc and found nothing which would download pornographic or grotesque images.

I had my evidence in my hand and tried to expplain this, all they kept saying was “we can’t accept anymore evidence”. They wouldn’t even look at it!
I tried to blunder through and explain anyway but they just kept repeating “we can’t accept any more evidence etc”

I then said “well, I need legal reprasentation” and was told “I’m not allowed any, you had your chance” I then told them that I had it on good word that I can’t be sacked without reprasentation. No was the answer, I’m not allowed legal reprasentation!

I’m then told I can appeal the decision which I have to do by writing a letter stating this to them within 5 days. Of course I’ll be doing this.

So, as of now I have no job, no pay, nothing!

I’m going to get in touch with the CAB, get in touch with job agencies, and I need to find a union!

Can anyone reccomend a union?

I’m a CAD engineer, have a family, in 2nd year of uni (day release) on a civil engineering course.

I need help!

Blimy.

I’ll go kick stooms in the nuts if you want.

Wow well good luck job hunting and with everything in the further. I’m not a tribunal’s expert but as an IT manager id’ say you going to get loads of money for unfair dismissal.

Best of luck!

Hope you wee’d in their shoes on the way out!

I reckon you’re on good ground for an appeal – make sure you leave time in your jobhunting to sort out what shiny new bike(s) you’ll be spending the payout on!

Union’s might not take this on, as it’s a pre-existing case, where do you live?

Union’s work a bit like insurance, you need to have it in place first, before claiming.

They are so gonna get it! Whoever’s the HR manager will more likely get the sack after this.

That all seems a bit harsh at this stage

Remember Zed – you MUST follow their disciplinary procedure to the letter & to exhaustion, otherwise any claim for unfair dismissal would be thrown out

Don’t want to sound negative but I think they may have read this thread!

I think a lawyers letter stating that you will appeal should be the first step as I can’t see how what they have done is legally defensible.

zed – another thing, if you need to get in touch with your bank/credit card provider do so asap to let them know what’s going on and to get yourself some breathing space (mortgage payment holiday etc) – the last thing you’ll need is the stress the bank can create while you’re sorting your stuff out. They will be much more receptive if you approach them early than if things get difficult later on. The initial feeling of helplessness must be insufferable. Get the initiative back, do your research, ensure you have all the documentation you need, get as much documentation as you need from your employer by written request.

Good luck.

From what I’ve read you could take this company to the cleaners.

Sounds like you were stitched up to me and looks like they wanted you out regardless?

Just found this thread. Sorry to read the news dude.
Hope you clear your name soon, and that chunks of their ‘management’ get a corporate shoeing for this incompetency!
Still the kids will enjoy having you around for a bit. The weather’s quite nice too at the moment. Dust off the bike! 🙂
And now lots more folks know how shoddy the companies defences are! Result!
Your next job WILL be better!

I’d suggest you find an employment lawyer who is technology-aware.

If everything is as represented here then I think you have an excellent case.

Did they give you a formal “grounds for dismissal”?

Currently trying to organise a meeting with my local CAB and sort a new job.

Thanks for the support, I still can’t believe this is happening?…

Their grounds for dismissal is that report list I posted up. Unfortunately I can’t afford a lawyer. I’m wondering if I might get legal aid now that I am unemployed?

Believe it.

Then get angry and use you anger to fight your corner. Plenty of good advice on here. Read it again, make a to do list and make sure you follow it through.

They should pay for being so inept. They’re messing with your life, your career and financial security for no good reason.

Zed – I’m really sorry to hear this. Follow Donald’s advice and best of luck.

I would suggest that you can afford a lawyer.

If everything is as represented here then you will have an incontestable case for unfair dismissal and will receive a decent compensation package (or your job back plus legal expenses).

You’re right Donald.

All I wanted was to get back to work tomorrow. Now what I want is for them to see they are wrong. I’m going to the CAB this afternoon, it’s a drop in service and only open until half 3 so I don’t know if I’ll be seen today? I’m getting all my documents together now. I’ve also spoken with someone regarding a new job. Even if through going through their appeal proccess, presenting my evidence and sorting it out the fact is that I am not being paid as of now. I need to be in a job to provide for my family etc.

And yes, everything is as I have said. Exactly.

Take them to the cleaners and get another job. They obviously wanted you out regardless so I’m guessing it’s not a pleasant place to work. Still don’t understand why an HR manager would say the things they said. Sounds all a bit dodgy to me. What they said goes against all HR policies and principles.

…and write up your recollection of this morning’s interview NOW before it’s buried in your memory.

Shit man! I had a nasty feeling about this – it looked like an excuse to get rid of you.

CAB drop in service will see you but they are a volunteer so won’t necessarily have much expertise. Law centre might be better. or the CAB should have expertise you will be able to tap into but not today perhaps

How long have you been there and how easy will it be to get another job?

Have you got a copy of their IT policy and your contract?

Again you have my e mail if I can help and MRs TJ has done a lot of representation in the past as well.

Mrs TJ says Parkhead CAB is the best but castlemilk law centre has the legal expertise. You need legal representation and you need to appeal thru company procedures – grievance probably.

Bear in mind a tribunal only compensates you for losses – so if you get another job quickly you won’t get a great deal. However there are other possible claims – breach of contract and so on.

Sic the lawyers onto them big style

Had a feeling it would end like this but didn’t want to ruin your weekend and tell you this on Fri.
It sounded like they really wanted rid of you with a the to-ing and fro-ing to gather evidence. I think most companies could dismiss employees for the content of their employees mailboxes alone – should they choose to.
Sounds like constructive dismissal, but proving it is going to be hard.

Wow. Sorry to hear that’s how it turned out, but whilst it doesn’t help with paying the mortgage etc. right now, in the long term you’re best off out.

Take them to the cleaners. IANAL, but I do know how IT works (unlike them it seems), and you have a very, very good case. Not being a lawyer, I presume it’s not a problem if they “lose” all the evidence, as they’d have to prove the reason for sacking him in a tribunal rather than the other way round?

🙁

Still shocked!

Been talking to a man from CAB and it looks like there are various things which haven’t been done correctly. He’s looking more into it for me. I’m going back at 10am tomorrow.

Also been speaking to someone about a new job and I’ve a meeting tomorrow.

Getting pretty angry now.

My appeal letter will be in the post tomorrow first thing.

Can anyone reccomend a union?

Cheers

TJ – I can’t find your email?

Good luck Zed. Fingers crossed.

In response to questions – I had been with them for just over 2 years.

Just been in touch with my insurance co. and I have legal cover, so I’ve started the ball rolling with that.

Can anyone think of anything else I should do?

well any references from your previous employer to your prospective one is going to be interesting.

Zed, I’ve been following this and am dismayed that this is the outcome. Your (ex) company have behaved with an appalling lack of professionalism and transparency.

You’ve got a pretty good journal of the events on this thread, but as others have said, writing all this stuff down while it is fresh in your memory would be wise. Trying to remember it later can be difficult and you don’t want any chinks in your armour.

I’m sure that the bloke from the CAB has already mentioned this, but make sure that you send your letter tomorrow special delivery. Again, you don’t want to give the company the excuse of having not received your appeal.

This is obviously stressful at the moment but I can’t help agreeing with others again that if this is the attitude of the company, then in the long term you’re better off elsewhere. I hope the job searching is successful,

AlieN

Can anyone think of anything else I should do?

Try calling round some solicitors to see who’s got real experience in employment law issues, talk to them, find out costs etc. and work out who you’d want to represent you if/when it comes to it.

Yes – sit down and write down dates, names, times and record of all that has happened.