Overview
Being fired from a remote job can feel overwhelming, but unfair dismissal may be a viable option for challenging the decision. This article outlines three key steps: gathering evidence, understanding your rights and company procedures, and seeking professional legal help. With preparation and guidance, remote workers can protect themselves and pursue fair outcomes in the event of termination.
Is Your Termination of Employment Unjust?
Being fired or sacked from a remote job can feel a bit like the end of the world. You might be experiencing feelings of fear or helplessness, especially if you have been with the company for several years. There will be numerous questions running through your mind, with “what happens now?” being the main one.
One aspect to consider is whether your termination is unjust. Your employer might have made this decision as a result of a protected action. Or perhaps it’s due to a protected characteristic; in this case, you could have a claim. To ensure you make the right decision regarding this, follow the three steps in this post.
Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim
If you believe that your job loss was unjust, then the first thing you need to do is prove it. Simply stating that this is the case won’t be enough. This is particularly true if several superiors in the workplace disagree. To support your claim, you must gather concrete proof that will help you build a strong case. This is important whether you will later negotiate a settlement or take legal action.
There are numerous types of evidence that you might need to gather. These range from personal notes on meetings and performance reviews to emails and Slack messages. You must collect all digital and physical forms of communication that relate to your dismissal or job performance. If you have a record of discussions, meetings, and more, then you should also note down the dates, times, and people involved.
All of the evidence that you gather should be organised in an efficient manner. This could mean creating a detailed timeline of the events that led up to your dismissal. Organising your documents and notes will establish a clear picture of your work relationship and the circumstances surrounding your termination.
Understand Your Rights and the Company’s Process
With the evidence gathered to support your claim of unfair termination, it is now time to understand your rights as an employee. This will make it easier to challenge your dismissal, particularly if your employer didn’t follow a fair process or if the dismissal was a result of discrimination. However, some rights may differ from state to state, so it is essential to research those applicable to you.
In addition to understanding your rights, you should also review the company’s process for terminating remote employees. Knowledge of the established procedures can enable you to identify where the company failed to follow them, which will strengthen your case. The company’s process and your employment contract will outline what you are entitled to, including your final salary, unused Paid Time Off (PTO), and other benefits.
You must obtain the reason for your termination to ensure your research and understanding are thorough. If you are unsure why you were fired, then you can ask your employer for the reasons in writing.
Seek Professional Help
Losing your job can be a significant setback, especially if you were fired unfairly; however, there are ways to challenge your dismissal. One way to do this is to seek legal assistance from an employment lawyer. Attorneys specialising in employment rights can explain your legal options and potential claims to ensure you receive the proper resolution to this issue.
When you find a reputable solicitor experienced in employment law, start by briefly explaining your remote dismissal and the reasons for unfairness. Use the evidence you previously gathered to give them a comprehensive picture and ensure they understand your situation clearly. The lawyer will then assess your working conditions and decide whether you have valid grounds for making a legal claim. As a remote employee, navigating the termination process can be confusing and complicated without professional guidance and support.
If you believe your dismissal was unjust, the challenge grows, but three clear options exist to protect your rights.
