What to do if you think you are getting fired
This blog addresses a point that comes up a lot in conversations I have as a recruiter. I’ll take a call usually from someone who is feeling the pressure and thinking that in the very near future their job is going to be taken away. The backdrop to this can be all sorts of things, from differences of opinion with their managers through to changes in the company's market or direction.
It's a really stressful situation, and a natural first reaction is to panic. But before you start sending out your CV to every job board you can find, take a breath. Feeling this way doesn't automatically mean you're on the way out. And even if you are, you have rights, and there are ways to handle it calmly and professionally. This post will walk you through your options, from mending things to preparing for what might come next, all while keeping your sanity and your career goals in mind.
Know Your Rights: A Quick Guide to UK Employment Law
First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that in the UK, employers can't just fire you on a whim. There are clear rules they must follow.
Fairness and Reasons: For an employer to dismiss you fairly, they must have a valid reason. Common valid reasons include redundancy, capability (you're not performing the job well enough), conduct (your behaviour is unacceptable), or "some other substantial reason" (a catch-all for other justifiable issues).
Process is Key: They also have to follow a fair procedure. This usually involves a series of meetings, a chance for you to state your case, and a right to be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative. If they don't follow a fair procedure, the dismissal could be classed as unfair dismissal, even if the reason for it was valid.
Two-Year Rule: These protections against unfair dismissal generally kick in once you've been with the company for two years. If you've been there for less than two years, the legal bar for dismissal is much lower, but you are still protected from discrimination.
Discrimination: Regardless of your length of service, you are always protected from discrimination. An employer cannot fire you because of a "protected characteristic" such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. If you think you're being targeted for one of these reasons, you may have a claim for discrimination or automatic unfair dismissal, and you should seek legal advice.
Knowing your rights empowers you. It helps you understand the situation and whether your employer's actions are reasonable.
Reconciliation and Repair: Is This Salvageable?
Before you throw in the towel, consider whether there's a way to fix things. A lot of the time, the tension you're feeling comes from a breakdown in communication, not a planned dismissal.
Request a Meeting: Ask your manager for a private, one-on-one meeting. Frame it positively—something like, "I'd like to check in on my performance and discuss how I can best support the team's goals." If a specific event has created the issue then “I’d like to talk about the recent issue and work out how we move on”. This shows initiative and opens the door for an honest conversation keep it friendly and reassuring.
Listen More, Talk Less: In the meeting, focus on listening. What are their concerns? Is there a misunderstanding about your role or expectations? Take notes. Your goal here isn't to argue but to understand. It for example may have been envisaged you would do part of your job better and have been disappointing people this is the moment to work this out.
Propose a Solution: Once you understand the issues, suggest a plan to address them. Ideally this should be something you can offer them. For example if you are in sales you could agree to elevate a KPI that doesn’t take you much to do but shows the employer you are prepared to tangibly act. Avoid requesting things that take up more time and effort for example a training course. If they are thinking of firing you then blaming training isn’t a good look. More a different approach to a task, or a more regular check-in schedule. This shows you're committed and proactive.
Document Everything: If you think this is happening then honestly your best investment is to buy a diary. However after any meeting or significant conversation, follow up with a brief, professional email summarising what was discussed and agreed upon “in our meeting you requested I do task X or Y” and record evidence you are doing this. This will help if there are underhand ‘broad brush’ about your not pulling weight etc. It creates a clear paper trail, which is actually helpful for both parties and is invaluable then to you if things don't improve. Aso remember your boss will have a boss if they can go to them and say “Employee is underperforming but they asked me for a meeting and actually suggested things they can offer the team and are prepared to work hard to get though it” then this is positive. Also if you can remind them of these targets on the same emails “you asked me to do X and I’m pleased to report I have”.
Reflect on the concerns. If the backdrop is down to things you can influence, quite frankly you need to get on and influence them. If you haven’t any influence then ask yourself if you were your boss what would you do. Lets say you’ve seen a drop in market, the same market was there before, and is going to at some point return. Would the company not want the people in place who can drag them back up when it does? Sometimes we imagine things are going to affect our jobs more than they actually are. Again talking to your boss can be reassuring.
Remember, they hired you and want it to work out. Sometimes, a frank conversation is all it takes to get things back on track.
The Proactive Job Hunt: Don’t Panic, Be Strategic
Even if you're actively trying to resolve the situation, it's wise to be prepared. Think of it as having an insurance policy. A job hunt can take time, and starting now means you won't feel as pressured. You don’t need to wait for this.
Refresh Your CV and LinkedIn: Update your CV with your latest achievements and responsibilities. Polish your LinkedIn profile in so far as make sure it's up-to-date and professional. Avoid the green banner and do be discreet on here, it’s a public forum chances are everyone follows you at work.
Network (Discreetly): Reach out to former colleagues, industry contacts, or recruiters (like me!). Explain your situation vaguely and professionally "I'm exploring new opportunities in the market and was hoping for a quick chat." This is a great way to learn about roles that aren't publicly advertised. Also it’s a great way to discuss the situation quite often we can help with a bit of advice, and be a sounding board. Rest assured you are you aren’t the first person with this problem to come to us!!
Be Patient and Selective: This is the most crucial part. The urge to jump ship will be strong, but you are in a job that you also chose. Don't panic into a new role just to get out of the old one. A new job is a significant commitment. You're not just looking for a new salary; you're looking for a new boss, new colleagues, and a new work culture. Apply the same high standards to your new job search that you would to any major life decision. Take the time to interview them as much as they're interviewing you.
Remember, you have skills and experience that are valuable. Taking control of the situation, whether through reconciliation or a proactive job search, is the key to turning this stressful time into a positive step for your career.
Stay calm, be strategic and get to know your legal situation as well. Good luck!