I worked in a local butchers for five months until I had to take a week off sick, at which point they sacked me with no written warning or anything. I had a doctor’s note. Is there anything I can do?
Until you have worked for your employer for two years you are in a very vulnerable position, since you are outside most of the employment protection legislation and cannot, for instance, claim compensation for unfair dismissal. You are legally entitled to a week’s notice, or pay in lieu, unless you were sacked for gross misconduct. So as long as your employer paid you for the week you were absent, that’s an end to the matter. If you didn’t get paid you can sue your employer for the money in the County Court if necessary.