My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: California

Hello,

I was recently terminated from my new Business Development position after three months for failure to make enough sales. It was my first career sales position and I struggled to close deals. I was given a performance improvement plan that mandated a certain number of sales within a month, which I was unable to complete. When I was released the head of HR stated in writing that they would not contest my unemployment benefits. When I inquired about severance/references, etc, I received the following e-mail response:

"Due to the nature of the separation, severance will not be provided, however, we will not contest your unemployment claim. If a future employer contacts Human Resources, I would only be able to share the information that has been brought to me - you were terminated for lack of results, not because you were not a good fit for (employer)."

Unfortunately, this morning I received notice that my unemployment claim was denied because I was fired for "unsatisfactory job performance." The only clarification is the following: "Section 1256 provides- an individual is disqualified if the department finds he voluntarily quit his most recent work without good cause or was discharged for misconduct from his most recent work."

I do not believe (nor have I been informed) that I committed any misconduct in the position and certainly did not quit the job. I intend to appeal this case, but am now very concerned that I will not receive the benefits I was promised which would present a significant financial challenge. Will my employer's earlier statement help my case?

Thank you.