Please help me get out of this complicated job situation I am in

What you need to know:

  • It is also interesting that the same department that dismissed you is the same one that accepted your resignation. Ask about this and attach both letters PSC - yours is a serious case of irregularity.
  • Another approach would be to inform your current ministry that you have not yet received your appointment letter, so that they can follow up with the HR department.

Q. I worked as a clerical officer at a government department from 2009 to 2011 when my manager sent a note to the Public Service Commission saying that I was not performing. I was suspended and my salary stopped.

When I resumed work, I did not get a salary for a month and decided to resign. I received my dismissal letter after one month and the acceptance letter of my resignation a few days later.

Six months later, I got a job in a different ministry, although I still do not have an appointment letter. I have worked for three months without a salary since my personal number is in a file at a department I left nine months ago. 

Can this dismissal affect my current job? Is it possible for the government to terminate my current job once it realises I was dismissed from another ministry? 

It is unfortunate that you were summarily dismissed without being given an opportunity to be heard. This process ensures that the employee is given an opportunity to defend himself or herself, and for the employer to state the reason for the disciplinary process.

Since this was not done, you should inquire from PSC why you were dismissed from employment.

It is also interesting that the same department that dismissed you is the same one that accepted your resignation. Ask about this and attach both letters PSC - yours is a serious case of irregularity.

The dismissal is affecting your current role since most probably, someone has noticed the irregularity and is not clear on how to handle your case, hence the delay in giving you the appointment letter. You will only unlock this if you formally write to the HR department seeking clarification on how your case was handled. In the absence of follow up, you may end up getting a second dismissal letter or work endlessly without pay.

Another approach would be to inform your current ministry that you have not yet received your appointment letter, so that they can follow up with the HR department.

 Your issues are also emanating from the fact that you commenced working before you received your appointment letter. This can be a disadvantage to you since you do not have a formal contract. Avoid such a blunder in the future.

All the best in resolving your case.