Surviving the sack

Out on your ear clutching a P45? Don't panic, there's still hope.

Losing your job can be a major blow, and hard to overcome. Once the initial shock has worn off, you have to act quickly. Firstly, decide whether you feel you've been unfairly dismissed.

Unfair dismissal

This includes being sacked for union membership, asking for the minimum wage, blowing the whistle on someone, or carrying out Health and Safety measures. If you think you've been dismissed unfairly, you must act fast if you want to make a complaint. This is because there is a time limit for taking your employer to an industrial tribunal.

A fair cop

If you've broken your work's rules of conduct, stolen things, lied outrageously on your CV, or haven't been doing your job properly, then they're probably within their rights to terminate your employment. The majority of people who get sacked fall into this category.

What should you do?

• Sometimes, you may be able to come to an agreement with your employer, if you promise to improve your performance. They might give you one last chance.
• Grovel. Admit that you made mistakes, and learn from the experience.
• Sign on. Get down to the Job Centre as soon as possible and register as unemployed, or you might miss out on some of your benefits.
• If you're feeling sore after the experience, don't seek revenge as it's likely to backfire. Above all, you might need a good reference.
• Keep your P45, it will save time when you go for your next job.

Going for another job

If you've been sacked, it's tempting to lie about it when you're filling in application forms for new employment. Sometimes it's acceptable to say that you had a 'difference of opinion', but it depends upon the situation. Place more emphasis on your achievements and what you learned from the job than your reason for leaving.

Outright lies are often uncovered, and many employers are now using checking agencies to make sure that applicants are not being dishonest.

If you really hated the line of work you were in, consider this to be an opportunity to look around for something you might enjoy more. Getting sacked might seem like a catastrophe at the time, but many people have found that it helped them establish a more fulfilling career. In the long run, it may see things turning out for the best.