I have worked as a welder for the same employer for 4 years but 12 months ago, they merged with his other company which meant our factory closed and we all moved to his other factory. I have suffered with depression and have been taking medication for many years and it has been under control until this move. The lads at the factory we moved to made it quite clear they didn't want to mix and were very ignorant towards us. Their whispering and staring at me all the time led me to ask my manager if I could work nights, or move to a different room both of which were denied. It became unbearable to work with these people and my depression became so severe so I made a doctors appointment. My doctor put me on the sick for a month, then another month when my sick note ran out. My bosses secretary rang me to arrange a meeting with my boss but he cancelled it on the morning of the meeting. I have now received a letter of termination of my employment stating that due to the present economic climate they were making cutbacks. The letter doesn't include any notice and I have only had 1 warning for being a couple of minutes late a few months back.

In most states you would be considered an "at will" employee and can be terminate at any time for no reason at all. Yes, it sucks but they can do it.

Yes, it appears you allowed what others think to effect your ability to work. They are not required to change your work area or shift.
After missing two months, you did not appear able to return to you were let go.

I see this as normal and common,

Hello b:

Since you referred to your coworkers as lads, I suspect you're in the UK somewhere. The laws on THAT side of the pond are different than in the US.

Without an employment contract or if you're not in a union, or a member of a protected class of worker, in the US, the employer can let you go for ANY reason whatsoever, or NO reason at all. Hopefully, in your neck of the woods, you'll have more rights than that.

excon