Re: Lost my job. Advice needed
 

Hmm, I always thought that the references had to be factual, but provided they were they could say what they wanted (if not, then it's libel).

I would also have thought that if they had reasons for dismissal via an unsatisfactory reference that they would keep the evidence...

Re: Lost my job. Advice needed
 

You would need a hell of a lot of money to bring a libel or defamation case against somebody. Added to the fact it is quite hard to prove.

However, the OP should be able to gain access to these references under the DPA, which would then give him quite a bit of evidence.

Get the references and then seek further legal advice. If taking legal action, then make sure you got a lot of cash behind you.

Re: Lost my job. Advice needed
 

Sorry to here that, Makes me think as Im just starting a new job, well on probation period. Hope you caqn find a job soon enough, Best advice is to go tho the Job centre Plus, they offer pretty sound advice, Connections offer advice to 19 and under so if that applys give them a try good luck!!

Re: Lost my job. Advice needed
 

No job's safe these days, a huge percentage of them are 3 month contract. Some employers get rid at the end of the contract and then start someone else on another 3 month contract.

Re: Lost my job. Advice needed
 

Correct. Opinion does not enter into somethign provided by an employer as their legal insurances will not entertain such a thing. As such most employer references basically confirm you worked for them from A>B and you title.

Re: Lost my job. Advice needed
 

Which when you think of it, is a waste of money on development and training a person.

When will the government and companies, wake up and realise that something needs to change?

No matter which company I have worked for, I have always joined a union. Job insurance at the end of the day! :)

Re: Lost my job. Advice needed
 

Hi Be*, l think that l might have an answer for you, under employment law, you old employers, are not allowed to give a bad reference, they have two options, either give a good reference or don't give one, and leave it up to your new employer to sort out, l had a similar situation about two years ago, and l needed a solicitor for help, unfortunately l cannot say much about it, due to legal restraints, but, what you could do, is contact the Managing Director of the company, outline, you old position, and also send him a CV, after him to contact the ' second ' employer on the cv, to find out what they thought of you, it could be that, your old employer might have had a gripe, and picked on you, ACAS, could help, if you contacted them, you need to be employed for two years, to have protection, and if you are placed on a trial period, then an employer does not need a reason, to let an employee go, that is the sad part of employment, before, part timers didn't have protection under law, now they do, you can always try www.gumtree.co.uk (or com) for a job, or jobcentreplus.org.uk l wish you the best matey.

Re: Lost my job. Advice needed
 

Employeers DO give bad references. That is why I now have a job. (after been made redundant). Previous employer of the bloke before me gave a him a very poor reference, verbally, over the phone, while the bloke was on his 3 month probation. His job went straight up as a vacancy. Good for me :) very poor for the bloke before me. I think his prevoius manager didn't like him.
Problem is, in your 3 month probation, an employer doesn't NEED a reason to let you go. :( Most employers, if there is a hint that you take sick leave, or are not punctual, will let you go in your probation.

Have you tried contribution based JSA, that is what I was on, they don't take into account ANY house hold income?

Have you told tax credits to amend your claim to inlude you earning £0 this coming year? you should get a lot more help if your partner is only working part time. When I was out of work, my wife worked full time with a good wage, and by amending the claim of me not working or earning boosted out tax credits to £5500 a year. (this is based on 2 children under 6 years old)

Re: Lost my job. Advice needed
 

In this case employers should have a duty to extend your probationary period. Granted people get sick and are unable to work. I had 3 days off with food poisoning whilst at O2 and this was my only period of absence in my 6 month probationary period. I received a verbal warning for it. I then took it to my union rep, who was about as helpful as a cat flap in an elephant house. I would of took it further under the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) as I am diabetic Type 1, but decided to leave as I couldn't be bothered with the hassle. A wee bit silly, I know, but it's something I felt I had to do. Had I of took it further O2 could of found some other excuse to get rid of me for taking action against them.

Many a time have I sat here and wondered that the laws governing the UK as a whole for employees are quite poor and something needs to change to protect employees rights from the start of their employment with a company. I think it's absolutely shocking that employees are required to be with a company 12/24 months before they have any real rights. I am now tempted to contact my local MP,MSP or even the DWP regarding this. It's a loophole imo that needs to be closed.

Re: Lost my job. Advice needed
 

Without trying to sound cheeky, how does food poisoning and diabetes class as a reason to take it further under the DDA?

Re: Lost my job. Advice needed
 

Might be late in the day, but Be*, can you not get some agency work?
I foolishly (but bloomin' superbly!!!) quit a job and walked out. Went straight into town to the agencies and I was working 6 days later. Nowhere near same money but enough to pay the mortgage and bills. I never gave a thought to signing on, I knew we wouldn't be able to make ends meet.

Re: Lost my job. Advice needed
 

Diabetes is classed as a disability under the DDA. Food poisoning can affect a diabetic's blood sugar levels resulting in secondary illness/infection (which would/could mean admission to hospital) resulting in further time off work.

Example: General rule for a diabetic is; if they vomit/be sick more than twice in any one day then that can lead to hospital admission, as a general rule of thumb. Even a cold can affect a diabetics blood sugar levels.

I don't want to go into blood sugar levels even more as it would bore you and other posters of this forum. As stated it is classed as a disability.

A diabetics immune system is weaker compared to a normal healthy human being.

I hope that clarifys things for you.