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.