Fired Over Mental Illness?

The Hierophant · 30-01-2009, 08:48 PM

(apologies for posting this here as well as MHD but I would like some advice i suppose)

So today I received a letter in the post from my employee Varsity telling me that I've (for all intense & purpose) been sacked.

They've basically said my contract was up renewal & due to current business constraints they are unable to re-new my contract at this time.

Due to the fact my contract has come to a close I don't think I can say they've fired me for mental health problems, but this is coinciding with my breakdowns & episodes too well. & I'm blaming it on my mental health issues.

& I'm not to sure what to do, I kept them informed I was off ill & was preparing myself to try & go in at least once next week & now, I'm so confused & don't actually really know how to feel.

& I don't really now what I'm looking for here, advice? support? i'm not sure.

mjk · 30-01-2009, 09:02 PM

my advice is get up tomorrow look for another job
if you dwell on loosing this job and the reasons that may have lead to it then all you will be doing is beating your head against a wall

so buy a paper and start circling some want ads

The Hierophant · 30-01-2009, 09:16 PM

I already have one job, this was my second.
The thing is signed off sick right now so technically am not allowed to be working, but I was hoping to have this job to go back to when I was able to work again.

Tears of Solitude · 30-01-2009, 09:25 PM

Im sorry that you have lost your job < hugs >

Honey it sounds to me that for now your not ready for a job. Take time out to get yourself better.

Think about another job when you are feeling better.

Good luck in the future

Jade xxx

Mary Anne · 30-01-2009, 11:24 PM

Hi there,

Not sure how it is where you work but where I work you have to have been off sick for years (literally) before you can be asked to leave because of it (and even then you are not sacked - it is an agreement to leave).

I may be totally wrong but I thought you could not be sacked for being ill (also Scotland may be different).

Anyways I don't think losing your job can be related to your illness, the credit crunch is much more likely the cause.

If you can afford it take some time and then look for something new.

Take care.x.

Bitter_Angel · 30-01-2009, 11:41 PM

Perhaps it would be worth speaking to your local citizens advice bureau.
They will know the law better than anyone on here and they can also act as an advocate for you.

Bleeding Angel · 30-01-2009, 11:50 PM

If you have worked in the company for less than two years they have to give you a reason why they sacked you. After two years they arnt legally obliged to give you a reason.

airwolf282 · 31-01-2009, 05:08 AM

Hi,

I have been through similar problems so I really feel for you. I have had something like 20 jobs in 10 years. The best thing to do is take the time you need to get better first. I know times are tough and it might mean a few sacrifices but jumping into a job when you are not emotionally stable just to pay the bills is very dangerous. You should be able to claim some sort of benefits for being ill too, that is what welfare is for. In that time you can recover and begin to like yourself more and even take up some study or something to boost your chances of getting a job that suits you and one that you really want. That is what I am doing right now.

Mandimoo · 31-01-2009, 06:05 PM

she hasn't been sacked or fired, the contract is just not being renewed, which a company is entitled to do. they have just given her the notice that the contract will state and it's perfectly legal.

what wouldn't be legal is if it could be proved that the company had not offered the contract again (and taken someone else on, or renewed thei contract in favour of yourself) because you have mental healh problems or because you have been off sick for any length of time.

very hard to prove and probably not worth the stress and possible impact on your health.

mand x

Merc · 01-02-2009, 01:05 AM

sorry tpo hear this. It is the last thing you need while already dealing with being ill and having a hard time. Can you afford to just get yourself better? Are you receiving benefits of any kind? If not i would suggest looking into it. Maybe talk to your doc or whoever you have (assuming you do, i hope so!) to see what ideas they can come up with.
Right now, tho the focus needs to be on YOU! On getting thru this rough patch.
Here if you want to talk more ok?
thinking of you
romp

ThinkingofRecovery · 01-02-2009, 01:12 AM

I'll post here tomorrow when head not so fuzzy and clear up some of the misinformation re the legal side.

In the meantime, take care hun!