Let go without knowing?!

[FezzaDude]

So I'm a trainee project manager at a construction/shop fitting firm for 18 months. Only got as far as learning site management skills so far.... My boss tells me today that come January 2016 there is no immediate work for me to work on and that if any other work/job comes up to maybe take it like get a part time job so as not to use any annual leave I have. He thinks it could be until end of Jan mid Feb until any work comes in but this is not guaranteed. I have been told to ring up each week to see if any new projects materialise and If I'm required to return to work. I understand construction dies down over Christmas and into the New year but is this a normal dilemma for me to be in? I don't want to risk not looking for a new full time job over Christmas when my current employer has no intention of me returning...or an I thinking too much into this.

Thoughts much appreciated....

[Monkeylegend]

Look after yourself and start searching. I wouldn't continue to work for somebody who is prepared to do this to you. Even if they invite you back who is to say they won't do the same again at a future time.

[rb5er]

Sounds odd. I assume its a small company and they can't use you elsewhere?

[FezzaDude]

Medium sized company circa 70-100 employees. They have had financial difficulties since last year and been in a CVA since then. It seems I can't be used elsewhere however how true this is I don't know. Management tell us very little and it's all hush hush on a need to know basis. It's just the uncertainty that is frustrating me!

[mondeoman]

Are you an employee or self-employed subbie?

[FezzaDude]

An employee..

[Truckosaurus]

I think they are trying to let you go gently. They've got another 6 months whilst they can still let you go without reason or payment so they are hoping either you quit or some new business appears out of thin air.

[Pints]

Apologies but it's all I can imagine.

Edit: Thanks to Eric for the correction below. Was posting by phone.

Edited by Pints on Wednesday 23 December 20:29

[Eric Mc]

Pints said:

Apologies but it's all I can imagine.

Link fixed

[edc]

Irresepective of your employment status, given the time of year and the availability of people to speak to, you want to confirm directly with your employer, what will happen regarding payment to you on those short days or non-working days. I presume this is the thing that concerns you the most in the short term.

Employers can avoid redundancy by means of reduced hours, short term lay offs etc, which is all well and go and may help to 'secure' your job in the medium to long term, but if in the short term you cannot pay the bills then you have to think practically to keep the income rolling in.

[FezzaDude]

edc said:

Irresepective of your employment status, given the time of year and the availability of people to speak to, you want to confirm directly with your employer, what will happen regarding payment to you on those short days or non-working days. I presume this is the thing that concerns you the most in the short term.

Employers can avoid redundancy by means of reduced hours, short term lay offs etc, which is all well and go and may help to 'secure' your job in the medium to long term, but if in the short term you cannot pay the bills then you have to think practically to keep the income rolling in.

You are correct, especially as lay off time in the company is unpaid (unless you want to usual up annual leave holidays).