My new company offered me a car & Fuel card in my contract. Made me redundant after 5 months and never supplied me with a car. When are my rights? [closed]

During the interview process for a new job, I was offered a car and fuel card, which was subsequently included in the terms of my employment contract. I left my previous role, where I had been provided with a car and fuel card, because the commute was excessively long and was taking a physical and emotional toll on me each day. The new position, was closer to home. However, upon the conclusion of my notice period, when I was preparing to start with the new company, I contacted them to confirm the availability of the promised company car. They informed me that the car was not ready. In light of this, I made a decision to purchase a car, as public transportation did not provide a viable option to get to the office. During my time at the company, which lasted approximately five months, I made multiple inquiries regarding the status of the car and fuel card, to which the company repeatedly assured me that the issue was being "sorted out." Despite this, I never received the car or the fuel card as promised. On the final day of my Christmas holidays, I was unexpectedly contacted by the company and informed that I was being made redundant, with no prior warning or indication that such an action was being considered. I was simply paid out for time in lieu, and the company did not request that I work my notice period. In light of these circumstances, I am seeking legal advice regarding my situation, specifically whether I have grounds to challenge my termination and the company’s failure to fulfill the terms of my contract. While I am aware that I was employed for a relatively short period of five months, I am concerned that the company’s intention was to hire me for a busy period and then let me go once their workload had decreased, which feels unjust and potentially in violation of my employment rights. During my time there I couldn't help but feel that the Directors were keeping me at arms reach. The primary issues I would like addressed include: The failure of the company to provide the company car and fuel card as outlined in my contract. I would appreciate legal guidance on the viability of any claims or actions I can take, particularly in light of the fact that I was employed for such a short time and have been left in an unforeseen and difficult situation. Note: I am based in Australia, and would like advice specific to Australian employment law.

Feb 7, 2025 - 07:17

During the interview process for a new job, I was offered a car and fuel card, which was subsequently included in the terms of my employment contract. I left my previous role, where I had been provided with a car and fuel card, because the commute was excessively long and was taking a physical and emotional toll on me each day. The new position, was closer to home.

However, upon the conclusion of my notice period, when I was preparing to start with the new company, I contacted them to confirm the availability of the promised company car. They informed me that the car was not ready. In light of this, I made a decision to purchase a car, as public transportation did not provide a viable option to get to the office.

During my time at the company, which lasted approximately five months, I made multiple inquiries regarding the status of the car and fuel card, to which the company repeatedly assured me that the issue was being "sorted out." Despite this, I never received the car or the fuel card as promised.

On the final day of my Christmas holidays, I was unexpectedly contacted by the company and informed that I was being made redundant, with no prior warning or indication that such an action was being considered. I was simply paid out for time in lieu, and the company did not request that I work my notice period.

In light of these circumstances, I am seeking legal advice regarding my situation, specifically whether I have grounds to challenge my termination and the company’s failure to fulfill the terms of my contract. While I am aware that I was employed for a relatively short period of five months, I am concerned that the company’s intention was to hire me for a busy period and then let me go once their workload had decreased, which feels unjust and potentially in violation of my employment rights. During my time there I couldn't help but feel that the Directors were keeping me at arms reach.

The primary issues I would like addressed include:

The failure of the company to provide the company car and fuel card as outlined in my contract.

I would appreciate legal guidance on the viability of any claims or actions I can take, particularly in light of the fact that I was employed for such a short time and have been left in an unforeseen and difficult situation.

Note: I am based in Australia, and would like advice specific to Australian employment law.