Can I Claim Unfair Dismissal During Probation?

Many employees believe they cannot make an unfair dismissal claim during their probation period, but the legal reality is more nuanced. Under section 383 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the FW Act), an employee may make an unfair dismissal claim only after completing a minimum employment period. For most employers, this period is 6 months of continuous service. However, if the employer is a small business, which is defined under the FW Act as having fewer than 15 employees, the minimum employment period extends to 12 months.

What Is a Small Business?

Under section 23 of the FW Act, a small business is defined as one that employs fewer than 15 employees. This includes full-time, part-time, and regular casual employees, with the total number of employees determined by a headcount. It's important to note that associated entities of a business are treated as a single entity for the purposes of calculating employee numbers. Additionally, when determining whether a business qualifies as a small business at the time of dismissal, the count includes not only the dismissed employee but also any other employees being dismissed at the same time. This means the employee being terminated is always included in the headcount.

General Protections Claims During Probation

While employees within their probation period generally cannot bring an unfair dismissal claim if they haven’t completed the qualifying period, they may still be entitled to make a general protections claim under the FW Act. A general protections claim arises when an employee alleges they have been dismissed due to the exercise of a workplace right, such as taking sick leave or raising a safety concern.

A general protections claim can be made regardless of how long the employee has been employed. This means that even employees dismissed in their first few weeks of employment can file such a claim if they believe their dismissal was connected to the exercise of a workplace right. In fact, some employees who are not eligible for unfair dismissal claims may attempt to argue that their dismissal was due to a general protections reason, particularly if they were not given clear performance-related reasons for their termination.

For more information or legal advice on unfair dismissal or general protections claims, contact Bentham Sydney Employment Lawyers.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend seeking professional legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances before taking any action.

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Got Questions?

Unfair dismissal occurs when an employee is terminated from their job in a manner that is harsh, unjust, or unreasonable. This may involve a lack of a valid reason for dismissal, failure to follow proper procedural requirements, or dismissal in retaliation for exercising workplace rights. To determine if a dismissal is unfair, various factors are considered, including the reason for the dismissal and whether proper processes were followed. For personalised advice on whether a dismissal may be considered unfair, contact Bentham Sydney Employment Lawyers for expert assistance.

If an employer receives an unfair dismissal claim, they should promptly review the details of the claim and gather all relevant documentation related to the termination. It is essential to assess whether proper procedures were followed and if the dismissal was for a valid reason. Employers should also prepare to engage in conciliation or hearings with the Fair Work Commission if required. For guidance on how to handle an unfair dismissal claim and to ensure compliance with the Fair Work Act, contact Bentham Sydney Employment Lawyers for expert advice.

Yes, employees on probationary periods can still claim unfair dismissal. However, there are specific considerations for probationary employees, such as whether the dismissal was based on a valid reason and if proper procedural fairness was observed. Probationary employees must demonstrate that their dismissal was not justified or that it breached the terms of their employment. For advice on unfair dismissal claims during probationary periods, contact Bentham Sydney Employment Lawyers to explore your options.

To support an unfair dismissal claim, an employee typically needs to provide evidence such as their employment contract, records of performance reviews, communications related to the dismissal, and any evidence of procedural breaches. Additionally, demonstrating that the dismissal was not for a valid reason or that proper processes were not followed is crucial. For assistance in gathering and presenting the necessary evidence for your claim, contact Bentham Sydney Employment Lawyers for expert support.

Employers can minimise the risk of unfair dismissal claims by ensuring they follow proper procedures, including providing clear reasons for termination, adhering to company policies and employment contracts, and offering opportunities for the employee to respond to concerns. Conducting thorough performance reviews and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations are also key. For tailored advice on preventing unfair dismissal claims and implementing best practices, contact Bentham Sydney Employment Lawyers for expert guidance.

If an unfair dismissal claim is successful, remedies may include reinstatement to the former position or compensation for lost wages and other entitlements. The Fair Work Commission will consider factors such as the impact of reinstatement on workplace dynamics and the financial losses suffered by the employee. Compensation calculations involve assessing lost remuneration, deducting any earnings since termination, and applying statutory caps. For detailed advice on the remedies available and how to pursue them, contact Bentham Sydney Employment Lawyers for expert legal assistance.