What to do after being sacked or fired?

Getting the sack or being fired from your job can be a traumatic and stressful experience. We rely upon our employment for financial stability, our purpose and we often create lifelong friendships at work. When things at work go wrong, our whole lives can be turned upside down. 

So, what should you do after you have been fired from your job?

Often easier said than done, but the most important thing you need to do first is to stay calm and make sure you do not do anything that could be considered improper conduct of an employee, as this could jeopardise any future legal action you may be able to take. For example, don’t jump on social media and rant about your boss or your company and don’t make any threats of violence. If you do this, it could impact any future claims you may be able to make for being fired.

The following is a list of dos and don’ts:

1. Do ask your employer, if they have not already done so, to provide you with the written reasons why you have been fired.

2. Do put together a timeline of key events that led up to you being fired. For example, were you under a performance management plan and when did that commence along with details of any meetings held with you before you were fired. 

3. Do collect any key documents or materials you have that may support why you should not have been fired. This can include documents such as recent performance reviews or employer policies and procedures. 

4. Do not sign any documents or contracts without first speaking to an employment lawyer if you have been offered any sum of money for your employment coming to an end. 

5. Do not engage in any conduct that could be in breach of your employment contract or any policies and procedures such as privacy or confidentiality. 

6. Do not engage in conduct that could be harmful to your employer, such as posting about them online on social media or review platforms. 

If you have been sacked, you may have several legal remedies available to you including unfair dismissal. Unfair dismissal occurs when a person is sacked from their job and the reason for their termination was harsh, unjust or unreasonable. 

You have a 21-day time limit to commence your claim for unfair dismissal with the Fair Work Commission if you are entitled to bring a claim. If you do not do this in time, you may lose your right to bring a claim. 

If you have been sacked from your job, you may need legal advice from an employment lawyer. Contact Barsby Law if you have been sacked or think you are about to be sacked, for a free initial case assessment.