[AnnieBL]

Shame on your employer, Roxy. I totally agree with Lisa Lou's advice. My wife was once hired by what I might describe as a self-governing unit within a big law firm. When the guy who had hired her went on an extended foreign job, the supply of work for her completely dried up and shortly before he was due back the head of the group, who had a severely ADHD son, came in and out of the blue fired her, wihout notice or severance, 'for cause' i.e. inadequate billings. He explained that he thought it immoral to provide her with work, since she should be at home looking after her own ADHD son. I knew of a good employment lawyer, and the big law firm settled very fast indeed for the full amount that our lawyer advised us was appropriate (from which hangs another tale, but totally OT). Yes, there is a definite tariff for settling such cases if the facts are as stated and the severance is inadequate. Receive enough severance, and you probably don't have a case but are well out of the tender mercies of that employer.