Legal help - Can they sack me?

[myleftboot]

Mentioning no names here I have just started a new job and been there for about 2 months but recently I have been taken ill and had to go onto some new medication with quite extreme side effects meaning I have not been able to work for the past 4 weeks.

All my absence has been covered by a doctors sick note and this says on exactly what is wrong with me and why I am unable to work.

My question is are they allowed to fire me now for the time I have had off, even if it is for a valid medical reason covered with a sick note?

I have spoken to citizens advice who have given me a completely different story than that what the DWP have and am unsure of what to beleive.

Thanks in advance.

[spanishstokey]

PCW, I have sent you a PM. For anyone else, Thompsons Solicitors, Lwr Bethesda St, Hanley are employment law specialists! Citizens Advice were absolutly sh1te for me.

Regards

Spanish

[Time4aPINT]

If you are full time, permanently employed and did not know about your illness before you accepted the job then I'm sure your job will be ok.

In the company I work for, all new employees have to serve a three month probation period, they can get rid of anyone they want during that time.

Fingers crossed for you!

[redrob]

Yes they can sack you! You can only claim wrongful dismissal if you have been employed for over 12 months and the fact that you are unable to attend work means that your contract has been frustrated so would not give rise to a claim for breach of contract if they sack you. Sorry!

[vestanpance]

If your contract states that you are in a probationary period then yes, your contract can be terminated at any time during those three months.

In fairness, look at it from their perspective. It's clearly not your fault but they really would have had little option.

[jacksscfc]

Time for a pint is correct, If you have a probation period your employer is well within their rights to dismiss you without reason during that period without reason.
Sorry mate I doubt that will happen though good luck.

[broadwayroundabout]

Just to add to the others, they are correct and your emplyment can be terminated, sorry.

[myleftboot]

Thanks for the advice guys. I must stress I am no scounger or anything like that but this whole thing just arose out of the blue with the most unfortunate timing ever.

All depends on what they say now and what I can do so save anything if they will have me back. Just seems so unfair but I can see it from all perspectives of course. Tight few months for me now.

I take it I would be eligable for SSP though (crosses fingers). Inmy contract but I get paid monthly and need to makes ends meet somewhere.

[Rebelliousjukebox]

If you're in a Union, they'd able to advise.

You might find the ACAS website useful - www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1461