Hi all, Got a bit of a problem here and wouldn’t mind your thoughts.
I was down the road a few weeks back and got the bad news that my old man only had a few weeks to live, I phoned the office and had a chat with one of the managers, told him the situation and I needed a bit of time off work, he told me to use my holidays and give him a ring when things are “better” So I told him I would like to save my holidays as I had booked a holiday in Disney land florida with the kids in august, “No problem take unpaid leave, stay in touch and get back to me when you want to come back” That will do I said and got my arse home to spend time with my dad,
Two weeks later guess what came thru the letter box, My P45… I phoned them up and they said "we cant keep you on the books for ever/indeffinatlly . now I havn’t done anything or spoke to anybody about this as my first priority at the moment is my dad, I have been at his bedside since being off, in and out of hospital, However pretty soon it will be time to decide if I should/can do anything about this or just put it behind me and move on so to speak, Cheers guys,
if your working for a small company,its understandable you cant be kicking the balls out of absenteeism justified or otherwise…if its a big tosco type beancounting job,then they should be able to accomodate you…put yourself in your bosses position before you decide what to do and think how reasonable or otherwise was his actions if it was the other way round and you were the boss.he did offer you to use your holidays,and it as your desicion not to use them.best not sweat it…put it behind you and just get another job.
solicitor or tribunal all day long, if only to show them up for the inconsiderate canutes they are. I could understand the sentiment although not agree with it if they were paying you but they have the option of using your money to cover an agency driver’s costs so whats the problem. I don’t know how much time you have invested with them if its a few years they may be looking to avoid a redundancy payment some time in the future.
Sorry to hear about your father and I make you right regarding your priorities,hope you get some justice further down the line.
Its a hard one and supposed depends on the company, i worked for DHL when my dad had a massive heart attack and fell into a coma was given max 48hrs to live. Told my boss he was great said just get back here and go be with your dad. He said as well don’t worry about money I’ll put you through on holiday rest of the week (two days) otherwise you will loose all your overtime, we only got overtime if we did over 40hrs.
I took a week off in total, spent time with my dad then arranged the funeral etc… DHL were great no hassles.
Even with small companies, my mate worked for a guy in NI with a few trucks, same situation the boss came across with a van met him so he could get home.
Other companies, one in Glasgow guy i worked with his father died had a week off, then his mother died a few months later. The company demanded he bring in a death certificate to prove he needed time off for his mothers funeral, i believe he came in a laid out his boss.
Stay with your Dad as long as he needs you, then see a solicitor. I know little about employment law, but am sure they have to follow the correct procedure before they can sack you like that.
Firstly, sorry to hear of your situation, make the most of the time you have with your dad, if he’s up to it then now is the time to ask any of those questions you’ve always wanted the answer to.
It’s been my understanding for many years (but don’t follow changes in the law) that you are entitled to the same amount of unpaid leave as paid leave each year. Most half decent firms will allow compassionate leave, the decent ones will still pay you.
P45 in the post with no other communication, disciplinary process etc. is a big no no, even if you’ve been there less than 2 years. Don’t leave it too long to seek legal advice and put something into motion, leave it too long and you’ll miss out on that score and as much as you want to be with your dad right now you’ll be in a worse position for doing anything for yourself when he does go.
Just remember that tribunals have time limits on claims of 3 months. As your dad is terminal you will have lots of other things to sort out so although difficult to juggle all responsibilities, don’t overlook something simple like a timescale.
Also, have you spoken to the company and asked if they’ll take you on again once you’ve dealt with matters?
m1cks:
Just remember that tribunals have time limits on claims of 3 months. As your dad is terminal you will have lots of other things to sort out so although difficult to juggle all responsibilities, don’t overlook something simple like a timescale.Also, have you spoken to the company and asked if they’ll take you on again once you’ve dealt with matters?
Hi m1cks, When I phoned them, all they said was give them a ring when i’m sorted. As I said before mate, its not a priority at the moment think its more peace of mind and one less thing to be worrying about, Got the wife out working more shifts and savings to fall back on at the mo,
Should I tell the dole or anything does anyone know. im obviously not paying national insurance, What has happened to this work place pension I was paying in to 
apologies just re read your intial post.
sounds unfair but it depends on how long you have worked at the company etc. speak to ACAS they will give good advice and support you if you have a case.
Tell them it’s ‘only my Dad’ what the hell were you thinking, and you will be only too glad to put him last and prioritise on the co. as you are lucky to be employed by them. 
The insensitive selfish ■■■■■■■ s. Have they never heard of relief drivers or agencies ffs.
Sorry about your Dad btw.
Really sorry to hear about your dad , Kiwi.
Regarding your P45. To quote Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
You take that P45, shine it up real nice , turn that son b!tch sideways and shove it straight up their asses!!!
A company who sends something like that when you’re looking after your father and family are not worth working for IMHO.
Holy scammel .a legal shift .knock it on the head chief.the m6 is full of fifth rate management run ing bent for pensions.profit not people .it’s gonna cost ya.there’s a good outfit t in Immingham if your near .hope he recovers
So, you’re at home spending your last days with yer dear old Dad and this firm decides to cheer you up by sacking you.
Really■■?
You don’t need them, believe me, work for somebody who has a pulse and a conscience.