What is termination
Queensland’s Industrial Relations Act 1999 (PDF, 1.9 MB) includes dismissal provisions that ensure fairness to employees is balanced with the needs of an employer to dismiss an employee when there is good reason.
You are entitled to be given proper notice if an employer wants to terminate your employment, unless you are guilty of serious misconduct such as theft, assault or fraud.
How much notice will depend on the time you’ve worked for the employer and what your award or agreement stipulates. It may be one week, if you’ve worked for the employer for no more than one year, or four weeks, if you’ve been employed there for more than five years.
Some employees such as casuals, those employed by the hour or day, or engaged for a specific period or task are not entitled to termination notice.
Trainees and apprentices are entitled to one week’s notice during their probationary period and must give their employer one week’s notice if they want to finish. After the probationary period you or your employer must make an application to end the training contract.
Employees over 45 who have at least two years continuous service with the employer are required to have additional notice given to them.
In cases of serious misconduct, you may be dismissed immediately.
All annual leave owing is payable on termination, except where the employee continues with the same business and transfers from one employer to another. (usually because the business is sold)
Last updated August 24, 2006
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