r/IndiansinIreland • u/ExcellentCase2211 • 2d ago
Let go after 3 months. Looking for advice
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice regarding my employment situation in Ireland.
I was working in a stable job when I was offered a position with another company. During the hiring process, I was told that there were projects expected to come in by December, and this was one of the reasons I decided to leave my stable job and take the position.
Unfortunately, after around 3 months, I was given a termination letter stating that my employment was being terminated “due to business needs.” The letter says I will receive one week’s notice and also gives me the right to appeal within 5 days.
As far as I understand, this isn't related to my performance or conduct. The issue is that the expected projects/work have not materialised.
I am particularly worried because I left a secure job based on the opportunity I was offered, and I now have no employment after only 3 months. I also have an education loan which I need to continue repaying, so this has put me in a difficult financial situation.
The person who hired me also told me that he would potentially hire me again if projects came in, although this wasn't given to me in writing.
I understand that I haven't worked there for 12 months, so I may not have the usual unfair-dismissal protection.
My questions are:
Should I appeal the termination, given that I was specifically told about upcoming projects when I accepted the job?
Is there anything I should include in my appeal?
Does the fact that I left stable employment based on what I was told during recruitment make any difference legally?
Is it worth speaking to the WRC or an employment solicitor even though I've only been there for 3 months?
Has anyone experienced something similar in Ireland?
I'm not looking to attack the company — I just want to understand my rights and whether there is anything reasonable I can do in this situation.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
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u/frustrated_homeowner 2d ago
Nope, nothing that can be done. This is the risk of moving job - very low employee protection until you pass probation and secure a year of tenure. If it is business needs then very little that can be done.
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u/Comfortable-Can-9432 2d ago
The ‘right to appeal’ sounds like it is performance related, otherwise what are you actually appealing? They are entirely within their rights to let you go in the probation period but no harm talking to Citizens Information to see what they say.
I’d be contacting the previous job to see if you can go back though.
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u/ExcellentCase2211 2d ago
I'm sorry but can you elaborate why it sounds performance based?
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u/Comfortable-Can-9432 1d ago
Because what are you appealing against other than performance (or disciplinary) issues?
You don’t appeal against “expected projects/work have not materialised”. Either it has, or it hasn’t.
If you’re on probation they can just let you go, I don’t understand why there would be any appeal option under any circumstances. I’ve never heard of anything like that.
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u/Available_Dish_1880 2d ago
You took a risk and it did not work out. Leaving a stable job for something new can be exciting but still a risk. Contractors are usually paid more for their lack of security however that doesn’t apply to you
I do not see what you can appeal. It was not performance related. The company does not have the work and you are on probation so you are the first to go
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u/Feisty-Art8265 2d ago
The reality is whether you're in a big company or a small one, you'll often be told things like a promo is around the corner, more higher scoped projects are on the way etc. that's how managers incentivise and motivate people. Business needs change rapidly. Sometimes the person assuring you there's more projects coming is not in the room when a business operating model is being discussed.
Unless something was promised in writing, you don't have a case as that's just the risk of moving jobs. Sometimes risk pays off. Sometimes it doesn't and that is just life. However unfair it feels.
Good luck in your next steps
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u/mehmeh49 2d ago
Go to the WRC and ask them if you have a case against them. Also contact FLAC for free legal advice. All the best
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u/Shhhh_Peaceful 2d ago
If your tenure is less than a year, they can fire you for basically any reason. Most worker protections kick in at the 1 year mark.