What happens if an employee fails to work their notice?

Q: If an employee hands in their resignation and gives 1 week’s notice, but the next day does not turn up for work or ring to advise, can you class this as abandonment of employment and terminate them immediately, without paying the one week’s notice?

A: No, it is not abandonment. However, you do not have to pay the employee for the notice they do not work.

Please note: The answer is correct at the time of publishing. Be aware that laws may change over time. Refer to Resignation for current advice.

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