Startup Termination After One Week: Can I Take Action for Unfair Dismissal?

Hi all,

I joined a startup company a week ago but was asked to leave after one week, citing dissatisfaction with my performance. Previously, I was asked to disclose some confidential information from my previous organization, which I refused to provide. Could you please advise on the actions I can take against the employer, considering the probation period was supposed to be six months?

Thanks.

There is nothing much that you can do. Leave with grace and look around for another job. Legally, you can go to court, but the judicial process is time-consuming and at times wasteful and stressful. The best thing is to move on.

Probation Period Clauses and Termination Concerns

Often, companies do mention in the appointment letter regarding the extension of the probation period or any other clause that is applicable to the probation period. I agree a week's time is too early to review one's performance, which makes it very clear that the intention behind your termination could be something different. Like Nathrao suggested, move on and start looking for better opportunities!

P.S: I really appreciate the fact that you did not divulge any confidences of your previous employer just to save your job. Much appreciated. Wish you good luck!

They gave me an edited offer letter by removing the clause of a probation period, later disclosed by HR on personal grounds.

Addressing Early Termination Concerns

If they have asked you to leave just after a week, there is nothing you can do in this case. I suggest going to the senior management, talking to them, understanding where exactly you lack in your performance, and conveying to them that you require more than one week to show your performance, as one week is generally given as a grace period for a new employee to settle down.

How long were you with your previous employer? Explain to them how you performed there and your achievements. This could only help you unless they have already decided on your termination regardless of your efforts.

Keep searching. Good luck!

My cousin has joined a new company 10 days ago. However, the company has not provided the joining letter to date. Yesterday, the project manager came and asked the whole team to start finding new jobs as this project is closing. Now, his career has been ruined. Can he file a case against the company?

No, he cannot file a case against the company. At the outset, he does not have any employment-related documents signed, which means there is no legal evidence. Secondly, he was not a permanent employee who was fired on unstated or illegal grounds. Thirdly, if the project is shutting down, then the company can mention that in writing as a reason for termination of employment, which is not illegal.

There is no basis for filing a case. Trust me, you wouldn't want to get into such a thing. I suggest advising your cousin to start applying for jobs.