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female
,
anonymous
writes: Hi,I need some advice on what to do about a rather tricky situation. A couple of months ago I slept with my boss who is female. I am 25 and she is 40. The attraction had been there for a while and this only happened afer a work party when I was very drunk. I don't feel bad about what happened but when I tried to discuss it soon after it happened I was told to keep my mouth shut. Even though I was hurt I eventually got over it. The problem is that my contract is up for renewal in a couple of weeks and my boss is trying to use every excuse not to keep me on. I am a good worker, have only had one sick day and have never had a complaint about my work. I have noticed that she avoids me completely now. She has also told other co workers lies about why we left the work function together. I think that the reason she wants me to leave is because she can't handle me being around. I would really like to continue in my job because I love it and get along with everyone else. Can she dismiss me when I haven't done anything wrong? What can I do?
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male
reader, anonymous, writes (17 November 2005):
This is real not a question of employment law.. its more about how companies react in this kind of situation.
If you are at a mid/large company, you just go talk to HR. They will recoil in fear about this kind of thing. They wont let you go until they sort though all their internal processes and spank the boss and make her attend a lot of meetings.
You will have to find a job at another company. No way around that. You may get some lovely parting gifts though!
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (14 November 2005): Well, it looks as if you're going to lose the job. Sleeping with a boss who is uncomfortable around you is a problem, she can't leave, she's the boss, sooooh you gotta. Sorry, cold facts.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (7 November 2005): Yes she can, they can make up any excuse.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (7 November 2005): I agree that you should go and check your legal entitlements in this area. But outside of the legal question of whether she can just not renew your contract, the question remains why work in a place where your boss is clearly uncomfortable with you there since you had an affair with her? You are only 25 and she is 40. You are early in your career and she is likely mid-career. She has a lot more vested in her workplace than you since she is the boss - I would just find another job rather than go through the hassle of trying to persuade her that you won't try to embarrass or blackmail her in some way. Maybe it sounds unfair, but you will in the end feel better and she will be happier to give you a reasonable reference to get you away from her workplace.
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A
female
reader, lyndsey +, writes (6 November 2005):
No she can't dismiss you if your work is as good as you say it is. Things like this happen at office party,s all the time you just have to put it behind you and get on, it's obvious she can't. I think you should get some legal advice tell them the truth and they are sure to help you. Look in your yellow pages there are plenty of people you can call. Good luck lyndsey x
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A
reader, Rebecca Batchelor +, writes (6 November 2005):
 I think this very much depends upon your contract.
Under normal grounds of employment, a reasonable reason(s) would have to be given for dismissal. Is this the same for your contract? You say it is up for renewal, perhaps an explanation has to be given for the renewal to be declined. I think you need to read the small print of your contract and also seek advice from perhaps an employment agency or citizen's advice bureau.
No, your boss can't just get rid of you because you slept with her. It appears she is embarrassed over what happened but she should be far more mature about this and simply accept that it did happen and move on, allowing you to remain in your job that you are good at.
Read your contract fully and seek the advice of an expert in relation to your work who can advise you as to what you can do to fight her decision. I'm sure you can proove that you are a good worker and this will stand you in good stead.
Good luck.
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A
female
reader, *+*devil vicki*+* +, writes (6 November 2005):
hey. i'm only 13 but i hope my words can help you. of course she can't dismiss you. the fact that she is embarassed is her personal problem. and you don't bring personal issues into work. it sounds like something you should sort out outside of work. hope it helps!
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A
female
reader, beenthere +, writes (6 November 2005):
she can not dismiss you for this reason but i don't think she has any obligation to renew a contract. however, you could put in a complaint for unfair dismissal if your contract is not renewed. she may just be worried about certain people finding out what happened. if this is the case, and you try to forget about it then she'll know she has nothing to worry about. if she feels uncomfortable working for her, is there another part of the company she could transfer you to? if not, ask her for a reference and tell her you will leave once you have found a new job
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (6 November 2005): It all depends on your workplace laws, what type of contract you hold etc
If your in australia we have unfair dismissal laws (for the time being) and this would be highly illigal, although in some other countries i hear they can fire you for no real reason...
So it all depends on your workplace laws, check it out with a union or somethin would be the best way to see if its legal or not
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