Hi guys, Got another question for you. This is a situation I am concerned about as I need to make sure I handle things in the right way should they come up. If I was called into a meeting with my bosses and offered an ultimatum regarding dismissal/redundancy that has differing financial implications what would you advise to do? I would prefer not to make a decision on the spot, but if they threatened to use one option if you didnt agree to another there and then are they within their rights? I know my previous boss was offered a similar 'choice', and I would prefer to leave the room and take advice but I feel that is something they could try to prevent with the ultimatum. As a side issue, where do i stand recording such a conversation without knowledge of people in the room - i,e, on a mobile phone.

thanks for the supportive advice. i wont go off on the sick, but i need to somehow find a way of putting the fears to the back of my mind so that I can do what you say. The problem is, feeling as sick as I do it is affecting my performance, so unless I go to the doctors about it I cant claim that retrospectively if the worst does happen.

I know what you are saying regarding not losing a salesman who has over achieved consistently and I tell myself that from time to time, but it's plainly obvious now. The main issue was when the MD was still around, and he was pretty much a barrier between me and the parent company, destroying any relationship I may have had with them. Now he is no longer there opinions are already formed and there is no changing it. I dont get on with the directors there and I now have panic attacks when they come up which makes me look even worse. The simple fact is, we dont get on, and now I am feeling ill with it all I dont feel able to rectify the situation. The parent company are extremely corporate, and I dont really operate the same way. They sell differently to us with entirely different products/solutions but within the same type market. The customers I have are more SME who like the personal approach rather than the big business board room approach. Either way could be better or worse, but they are very different. Its clear its their way or the high way. Thanks for your input on the bonus issue - that has really been worrying me. The year end was January. If I did get that bonus I would be comfortable enough to leave and have enough to pay the bills for a few months whle looking for something else. I just worry because of the type of company they are.

thanks for the example - its pretty much what i thought. Well, I haven't been doing anything like stealing from tills etc, my performance has been way above target, and I have had no reproaches about my performance. I know I am just waiting for the day to arrive when they call me into the boardroom, so I just want to make sure I am armed with all the facts I need to give myself a chance against any wrong doing. It's really making me feel quite ill - I cant function properly I cant speak to clients in the way I normally would or have the confidence I usually have when i go into meetings plus I have been having panic attacks. I would go to the doctors and get signed off, but I am scared of not being here to know whats happening.

oh dear - not quite what i was hoping to hear I was under the impression that you were slightly more protected by law after 2 years service and that set procedures have to be followed - i.e. if it is for performance related issues then warnings first, improvement plans etc.

I have been in my role for 3 years and 11 months. There is a longer thread about my issues, but just got a simple question; Given the length of service above, if a company decides they want you out how easy is it for them to sack you, and what reasons do they look for? I've never had a bad perfomance review and always (well) above sales targets - but we have a new parent company and they stand to gain through non-payment of a substantial profit related bonus to me as part of the buyout agreement (I was a shareholder) if I am dismissed

Hi there people, i've been looking through the forums and threads here and felt almost a sense of relief that there are a lot of people here who seem to be able to give sensible and generous advice. Sorry to trouble you with my issue.... I have been working for the same company for 3 years and 11 months 18 months ago we were bought out by another company I was a shareholder, so an agreement (as part of the company sale) is in place for the parent company to pay a substantial bonus on reaching a profit target for 2008-2009 and another 2009-2010. Subject to audited accounts this month we have reached the 2008-09 target, so I am due the bonus - provided I am not dismissed for gross misconduct etc. The parent company and our are polar opposites in terms of people and staff - they are very very corporate and very very cut throat, and you need to be one of their 'kind' to get on if you see what I mean. The two original directors of my immediate company are my greatest admirers and they value me and know me. Unfortunately the immediate company MD was not one of their people and he was made 'redundant' just after xmas 2008 - the line fromt he parent company is that he wasnt the man to take them forward. I know I am next on their agenda - please humour me in the fact it isnt paranoia on my part. I am the Sales Manager and they are going out to see clients of mine without my involvement - completely undermining relationships I have built over 4 years. Now the Director of Corporate Development at the parent company wants me to arrange meetings with the largest clients we have and take him with me - the reason for which hasnt been given to me. I am petrified plans are in place and they are trying to engineer a way to get rid of me, and that I may lose my bonus entitlement if I am sacked (which I think would be their primary reason for doing so before the accounts are audited). I have income insurance, mortgage insurance etc so if I did get made redundant it wouldnt be the end of the world for me. Infact the effect this is having on my health would probably make it a good thing. I have spoken directly with the remaining immediate company director, who is also a friend and he thinks they have an agenda and cannot offer me the support as he doesnt know the answers. I have repeatedly asked for assistance in my role over the past 12 months and this has been constantly dismissed by the parent company although my immediate directors have acknowledged the need. Its affecting my ability to do the job properly and making me ill with stress and anxiety- I know if I went to the docs i would be signed off, but I cant risk that. Importantly, as I am a sales manager, is my performance 2007 I was 160% over my annual target 2008 I was 175% over my annual target on my performance review I received 4/5 (the only reason I didnt achieve 5/5 was because marketing needs to improve - a job I dont have the training or available time resources for, but am responsible for) I am the only sales/marketing employee for this company - a company that turns over in excess of 5 million with 185 customers (so throw into that account management role as well!) Personally I think the best outcome for me would be to leave the company, but I cant walk away (current climate etc) as I have a family, mortgage etc, I cant get sacked (insurances & future employment issues, bonus owed). I dont think I should be working either as I am struggling to cope with day to day things at the moment because of this, and it is affecting my performance at work - a place where I have always been successful previously. I hate this, noone shoujld have to feel this way. I feel bullied, victimised and undermined and its just not healthy. If anyone can offer advice, assistance or otherwise I would be very grateful