I recently met with my client after he was unfortunately dismissed from his employment due to his alleged poor performance. Please read on to find out how I helped my client.
My Client’s Story
My client had worked for his employer for many years and had always performed well in the business. However, in recent months, he had struggled to reach his targets. This was due to various factors, including his own difficult personal circumstances and external factors (such as the general financial climate).
Instead of raising their concerns informally, his employer decided to move straight to a formal capability process. This started with implementing a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). For more information about PIPs, please see here – https://lincslaw.co.uk/blog/performance-improvement-plan/
My client immediately raised his concerns about the disproportionate and unfair targets set in the PIP. However, unfortunately nothing changed. Thereafter, my client proceeded with the PIP and received very little of the promised support from his employer. Notwithstanding this, he worked diligently throughout the process and very nearly met his (very difficult) targets. Unfortunately, however, his employer decided to dismiss him on the grounds of capability.
How Did I Assist My Client?
After being dismissed from his employment, my client was, understandably, very upset. He therefore decided to call us here at Lincs Law Employment Solicitors. During our free initial telephone conversation, I was able to listen to his concerns and reassure him we could help.
I was then delighted my client booked in for a Fixed Fee Consultation with me. For more information about this service, please see here – https://lincslaw.co.uk/fees/employees/
During our Fixed Fee Consultation, I reviewed all documentation relevant to my client’s employment matter. This included the PIP documentation, notes from the relevant meetings and other correspondence between my client and his employer.
During our meeting, we then spent time discussing the following together:
- The full background of my client’s situation
- His objectives – i.e., what he wanted to achieve;
- Any Employment Tribunal claims available so he understood the strength of his position;
- An estimate of the value of his Employment Tribunal claims so he could make informed choices moving forward;
- All relevant time limits he needed to be aware of;
- The next steps he should take to put him in the best possible position;
- The funding options available moving forward, if he required our assistance going forward.
Here at Lincs Law Employment Solicitors, whilst the cost of our Fixed Fee Consultation is completely fixed, the meeting itself is of unlimited duration. We therefore took as long as necessary to discuss the above in detail. This meant my client could take his time to fully understand my advice, consider his options and decide how he wanted to proceed.
During our Fixed Fee Consultation, I identified my client had a very strong claim of Unfair Dismissal to pursue in the Employment Tribunal, if he wished to do so. We therefore discussed the Employment Tribunal process, how claims in the Employment Tribunal are valued, and the relevant time limits. For more information about a claim of Unfair Dismissal, please see here – https://lincslaw.co.uk/blog/can-you-claim-unfair-dismissal-if-you-have-been-sacked-for-under-performing/.
We also formulated an action plan moving forward to put my client in the best possible position. Particularly, we discussed the importance of appealing his dismissal and I advised him about the appeal process his employer should follow. We also identified the key points to include within his grounds of appeal.
After the Fixed Fee Consultation, I also confirmed my advice in full and in writing. This ensured my client had a comprehensive record of our discussions.
My Client’s Review
I was delighted to assist my client with his employment matter. I was also very grateful to receive the following 5-star review:
“…I really appreciated Kate’s prompt support in a time when I needed to discuss my situation very quickly, and for a reasonable amount I managed to get professional advice within the same week. Would definitely recommend……Thanks!”
Lincs Law Employment Solicitors Can Help You
Here at Lincs Law Employment Solicitors, we understand that being dismissed from your employment can have a devastating effect on you and your family. As specialist employment solicitors, we would be delighted to help you. If you would like a free consultation with one of the team at Lincs Law Employment Solicitors, simply use the contact form, engage in a web chat, email contactus@lincslaw.com or call us on 01522 440512 and we’ll be happy to help.
Kate Key
Specialist Employment Solicitor
Lincs Law Employment Solicitors
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