summary dismissal

Summary dismissal occurs when an employee is terminated without notice or pay in lieu of notice (PILON) due to gross misconduct.

In summary dismissal, the employer immediately severs all ties with the employee, bypassing the standard procedures typically involved with terminating an employee, such as notice periods or severance pay.

The reason for this is usually a profound breach of trust or violation of appropriate conduct, where a continued connection with the employee may cause harm to the employer. However, this decision should follow after conducting a thorough investigation.

Otherwise, it’s common to give employees one to two weeks’ notice that they are being terminated or the pay of equal time if you desire the employee to leave immediately.

Understanding the summary dismissal meaning is crucial for both employers and employees, as it highlights the immediate consequences of severe misconduct in the workplace.