I wonder if this is true?

[susans]

http://www.theinquirer.net/en/inquirer/news/2003/05/30/2500-people-fired-by-text-message

It says that 2500 people were let go by text message on their phone.  How would the company even know all the phone numbers.... It it is true, that is a pretty sad way to inform someone they are being let go.

[gee4]

Well my company would certainly have my address, phone no and contact details in case of an emergency so I guess that would cover a lot of employees.

But my main question is, is this legal?  These days with various network providers, text messages are not that reliable and very often we never receive messages sent by others.  How on earth could it be proven that a message of this nature was sent?  Sending something in writing on official headed paper would surely stand up in court more than a text message....wouldn't it?!

[peaches2160]

It depends.  With so many people telecommuting now adays, and everything virtual, I guess it is possible.  However, I would think it would be appropriate for an employer to do this in person, not via text or even e-mail.

[geminigirl]

Didn't something like this happen in the United Kingdom a couple of years or so ago?  I think it might have been an insurance company or similar.

[JessW]

I thought I read something similar about a lazy fast food operative who was so tardy she got sacked via text message!

[duque]

My company had to dismiss part of the team after a merge and sent out the letters by e-mail.

They did have a couple of cases of people on sick leave who did not have access to internet. These ended up in court and the company loosing out. New technologies are not always the best.

[gee4]

Sent letter by email?  Where?  Company email?  Personal email?  Home email?

As I said before, surely that cannot be legal.  There is no proof anyone receives a text or email regarding redundancy.  It would make more sense to be told in person and follow it up with a letter to your home address.

The mind boggles!