Advice please, lovely people
I've recently been taking time off work due to depression, sometimes waking up in the mornings and being unable to get out of bed as I've just been dying inside. I've also been taking off every other Wed afternoon to see a therapist. I explained this to my manager, and it all seemed fine until her manager got involved. I was regularly called into the office where they would ask a few questions, I'd answer and then I'd go back to work.

I took the day off on Tuesday after a heartbreaking weekend, and was called into the office on Wednesday. They asked why, I explained about my depression, which they then claimed they had no idea I was suffering from.

Thursday, I was let go. It was a brief conversation, I was told I was being let go because of my absences, even using the time I saw my therapist as a reason. I was not given a notice period but assumed it was one week as it was when I previously worked for them. When I went in today I worked for several hours, before they told me to leave, and I had no notice. I was in tears when I left, feeling very embarassed and ashamed.

I've contacted CAB and they are going to call me back, but probably not until next week. Does anyone have any thoughts on whether I have a claim for being dismissed soon after they found out I was ill, or should I just let it go?
(missc, Fri 14 Nov 2008, 13:47, 10 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

I'd want to cunt them in the fuck
Sounds like they're being very out of order about the whole thing and probably very in the wrong too. Hopefully CAB will be able to give you some proper advice but to me it sounds like an unfair dismissal.

Mind you I've no experience of these things (the dismissal part - the mental mind fucks I do).

If you feel ranting will help feel free to rant at me in gazes or on the board.

*hugs*
( Captain V, Fri 14 Nov 2008, 13:55, Reply)

this is a classic case of unfair dismissal due to medical problems
you should contact your union (if you have one) or you can go to a tribunal,where they can,and will,be fucked over royally,if you can provide certificates or medical documentation.the least you will get is paid leave.
(Fuckpig "That's not even a pound a midget.", Fri 14 Nov 2008, 14:05, Reply)

You should have gone on sick.
They had no right to fire you. I went through the same thing and spent a good few months on sick pay before I eventually left my employment.

Don't let them get away with it.
( girlinthehole, Fri 14 Nov 2008, 14:05, Reply)

So long as you provided a sick note
they can't touch you. They have to at least send you to occupational health or for a capability hearing before they can even think about getting rid of you.

You can definitely take them to court for unfair dismissal.
(GONEism, Fri 14 Nov 2008, 14:07, Reply)

wait for CAB advice
but you should be able to do them big time.
my sister had similar problems whilst working in a care home (ironically.)

CAB will advise you dispassionatley, so wait for thier views then seek out a employment lawyer who will dance all over their petty minded actions.

good luck, and I hope you feel better soon.
(bugboybeast, Fri 14 Nov 2008, 14:16, Reply)

I've only been working there for a few months
About 3 months, I think, and it was on a temporary contract. But last week they extended my contract to January, before dismissing me today.

Will this affect anything?

Thanks for all the advice so far!
(missc, Fri 14 Nov 2008, 14:16, Reply)

Aaaah
Usually, companies well give out temp contracts because it bypasses various workplace requirements. But if all else fails you can go for emotional damages. The last thing you need is to lose your job if you're having a bad time.
(GONEism, Fri 14 Nov 2008, 14:20, Reply)

sorry, but...
you're probably fucked. at least you would be here in the colonies (canada, anyway). contract workers generally have very poor language in their contracts. that's why companies like doling out contracts a lot more than having permanent employees. even if you were able to win your case, the time, energy and (potentially) solicitors' costs would make it not worth your while, imho. you're probably better off spending all that time, energy and money getting another job/contract where they aren't going to be such cunts.
(tuqueboy has been in a medically -induced coma since, Fri 14 Nov 2008, 17:19, Reply)

Try ACAS
and I wish I could remember what the acronym stood for. But they specialise in employment arbitration and conciliation stuff.

Google it anyway. They may be able to offer advice. Sounds like your employers are being twats.
( Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics., Fri 14 Nov 2008, 22:17, Reply)