“You don’t need to come in tomorrow anymore.”
“This isn’t working; we’re ending it.”
“Good luck going forward.”
Many young people get fired via WhatsApp. Especially with side jobs, part-time work and temp work this happens every day. The question is: is that even allowed?
The short answer: sometimes, but often not.
In this blog, we explain when termination via WhatsApp can be valid and when it cannot, and what you should do immediately.
Is termination via WhatsApp allowed at all?
The law does not literally say: “WhatsApp termination is not allowed.”
But: termination must be clearly, lawfully, and correctly carried out.
And that’s where it often goes wrong.
When is a WhatsApp dismissal usually invalid?
In these situations dismissal via WhatsApp is often not legally valid:
1. There is no valid ground for dismissal
A message like:
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“It doesn’t click”
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“We have no more work”
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“The manager is not satisfied”
is no valid reason for dismissal.
2. The correct dismissal procedure was not followed
For most contracts:
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dismissal must go through official channels
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sometimes with permission
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sometimes with a notice period
A WhatsApp message is then not sufficient.
3. You have a current contract
Do you have:
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a temporary contract
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a zero-hours contract
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a temp agency contract without a valid agency clause
Then a simple WhatsApp message cannot simply mean the end of your job.
4. Dismissal via WhatsApp after illness
Do you fall ill and then get a WhatsApp message saying you no longer need to come in?
👉 That is highly suspicious and often not permitted.
When can termination via WhatsApp actually be valid?
In exceptional situations, for example:
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during a valid probationary period
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in the case of a justified summary dismissal
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if the WhatsApp message is a confirmation of something that has already been properly arranged
But even then, all conditions must be met.
Why WhatsApp dismissals occur so often among young people
Employers often think:
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“It’s just a side job”
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“It’s flexible work”
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“That’s how we always do it”
But convenience for the employer means not that it is legally correct.
What if you don’t respond to the WhatsApp message?
Not responding means not automatically that you agree.
But note: doing nothing is also risky.
It is important to:
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to clearly state that you are available
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to not give consent
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to save the message
What should you do immediately if you are dismissed via WhatsApp?
Follow these steps:
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Take screenshots of the message
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Respond calmly and professionally (do not agree)
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Indicate that you are available for work
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Keep contract, schedules and payslips
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Have a legal expert assess whether the dismissal is valid
One wrong answer can be used against you later.
Common mistakes by young people
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react angrily or emotionally
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text back “okay”
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quit on your own
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leave everything alone
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thinking that WhatsApp is automatically valid
That’s a shame. Often the employee strong.
Are you unsure about your WhatsApp dismissal?
Are you:
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student
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part-timer
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temp worker
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young person with a part-time job
and has your employer fired you via WhatsApp or told you that you no longer need to come in?
Then have it checked. In many cases it turns out that:
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the dismissal is not legally valid
-
you are entitled to wages or compensation
-
the employer acted too quickly
👉 Feel free to get in touch to have your situation assessed.
