Chapter 96

That night I couldn’t believe the news. I was cooking tea when Logan phoned. I told him about the interview and that I couldn’t get the day off. He told me not to worry as one way or another it would work out. He booked a hotel room for the weekend and asked if I would like to join him apartment hunting. I gladly accepted knowing it would be a welcome distraction from the interview and possibly the redundancy.

The rest of the week at work was a blur. We were not sure when a decision was going to be made, however at 11am I received an email from my boss asking me to meet him in a meeting room. One of the other girls got the same email. We both looked around the office to see everyone working away. We locked eyes and my heart sank. I nodded and mouthed the question at her, and she nodded in return. A sorrowful smile passed between us.

We emailed between us and decided not to tell the others and left one at a time without a word. We walked into the meeting room together and our boss and HR were already there. We took a seat opposite them knowing exactly what was about to happen. There were 2 envelopes on the table in front of them. They were passed over to us.

“You have both worked valiantly and your work is above average. You have both met all targets set and have a wealth of knowledge between you. I need you to know this was a very difficult situation.”

I held the envelope in hand not sure whether I wanted to open it there in front of them. I felt emotional. I was not good enough for them. Elise ripped her envelope open and frantically read the letter.

“If either of you have any questions then please come and see us.”

Elise ran out of the room crying. I watched as they stood and left the room. I turned the envelope over and over in my hands before carefully opening it. It was formally headed.

Dear Leah Garrison,

Confirmation of dismissal

Following the meeting with Mr. Blunt and Miss. Hunter on Friday, and the recent business needs changing, unfortunately this letter is to confirm that the decision has been made to terminate your employment with us. This letter is a formal notification of your termination of employment under grounds of redundancy.

In reaching this decision, you will be aware that we announced that redundancy was likely. We then met with you to discuss your provisional selection for redundancy as per the meeting mentioned above.

We have discussed other options for avoiding redundancy. However, unfortunately, we have been unable to identify suitable alternative employment for you or any other way in which your redundancy could be avoided. It is a matter of regret that this situation is to occur.

The arrangement in respect to your contract is as follows -

1. The termination period of two weeks is to be worked. This means your termination date will be 14th September 2024.

2. Your accrued holiday entitlement for this holiday year, calculated pro-rata up to your termination date is 18 days. You have taken 11. You have 7 days holiday which will be paid to you in lieu, less normal deductions of taxes and national insurances.

3. Your final payment date for your salary will be paid to you on Friday 28th September 2024, less normal reductions of taxes and national insurances. We will forward your P45 to you in due course.

4. In addition, during the remaining period of your employment with us, you are entitled to take reasonable time off work for job hunting and interviews. Please speak to an HR representative for further details.

...

The letter then went into how to appeal the dismissal and who to talk to. I gave up reading at that point. I had my answer, somewhere deep inside I felt like it was always going to end this way. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and took a picture of the letter and sent it to Logan.