Can I get fired?

[The Don]

Hey, basically today on my way to work I was involved in a car accident which has essentially left me without transport. I phoned work instantly and informed them of what had happened (left an answer phone message) and said I will try and get to work as soon as possible. As today progressed, I've had a headache and have realised that there is no plausible way for me to get in (I have no money until tomorrow so bus is out of the equation, and it's around a 2hour walk away so I phoned up to tell them that there is no plausible way for me to get in and that due to the car accident I have to arrange a few issues with my insurance company etc, to which they replied that if I don't come in, it will be regarded as a no-show and that I can face disciplinary action. I Phoned my dad and asked him for advice (He's been a manger for the past 20 years) anyway, he rang them and told them that I cant come in because I have no transport and that he wants to take me to the walk in centre to get me checked out to make sure I'm ok, they said that it's fine... But I'm still worried that they may try and discipline me for not coming in, even though I have a valid excuse. Am I in the wrong for not going in today?

[Kieran]

I'd imagine it'd come under an unfair dismissal unless you have a track record of no-shows?

[Ellz]

I'd imagine it'd come under an unfair dismissal unless you have a track record of no-shows?

Yeah i agree with this, it's not like you're being lazy or anything, like you said there is no way for you to get there!

[Chris]

You were in a car accident and had no way of getting to work, it isn't your fault so they can't really do anything.

[AlexJRiley]

Its dependant on how long you've been there if its under a year then contractually they can fire you as they like, if its over a year for this incident as youve described they cannot fire you and in doing so would be unfair dismissal allowing you to sue them

[The Don]

I've never missed work before and have a track record of working overtime, but my boss got quite angry with me on the phone as if I was being unreasonable.

Edit: Oh, I've been there for 14 months so over a year

+ Repped everyone possible

[AlexJRiley]

So yeah essentially you're safe, if he threatens to fire you say something along the lines that because your contract was signed in 2010 the unfair dismissal period is now in tact and you cannot be fired without a legitimate reason and would be within your rights to pursue legal action against the company.

[Swearwolf]

you'll be fine dont sweat it i've had 4 disciplinaries and they keep me there purely because no one can do the jobs i do lol

[MissAlice]

You are not in the wrong for being absent from work today. Sounds to me your employer likes pressurizing employees or certainly the person you spoke to does. I think given the circumstances that you was involved in a car accident they showed very little compassion. You most likely were in shock and spoke without thinking properly, so hopefully it’s just a misunderstanding of the situation. Be sure to keep them informed, and remember your health and fitness is of great importance.

[Martin]

Doesn't sound like your work is being fair at all. You couldn't help what happened and the circumstances meant it impossible for you to get in. It's a very valid reason and they have no right to discipline you at all.