Summary dismissal is the most severe form of dismissal. Yet this measure is used remarkably often among young people — sometimes too quickly, sometimes even unjustly. Especially with side jobs, part-time work and temporary work, employers think it “is okay”.

That is by no means always the caseIn this blog, we clearly explain when summary dismissal is allowed, and when it is not, and what you as a young person must do immediately.

What is summary dismissal?

In the case of summary dismissal:

• your employment ends immediately

• you receive no pay anymore

• you usually have no right to a transition payment

• it can have consequences for a benefit

That is precisely why the law stipulates strict requirements to this type of dismissal.

When can summary dismissal be given?

Only if all conditions are met:

1. There must be an urgent reason
   For example:

   • theft

   • violence or serious threat

   • fraud

   • persistent refusal to work

2. The dismissal must follow immediately
   An employer may not wait days or “think it over” first.

3. The reason must be communicated clearly right away
   Orally and preferably in writing.

Is one of these points missing? Then the dismissal is often invalid.

Why does it often go wrong with young people?

In practice we often see this:

• dismissal after a quarrel or dispute

• dismissal due to being late (without warnings)

• dismissal after calling in sick

• dismissal via a WhatsApp message

• dismissal because “you don’t fit well in the team”

👉 These are usually not valid reasons for summary dismissal.

“But I’m just a student or part-timer…”

That makes no difference at all.

The rules for summary dismissal apply:

• for students

• for part-timers

• for temporary agency workers

• for full-timers

Employers sometimes think that young people have fewer rights. That is incorrect.

What if the dismissal is unjustified?

Then you may be entitled to:

• continued payment of wages

• a compensation

• sometimes even reinstatement of your job

But note:
⏳ You must act quickly.
Often there is a short deadline to challenge the dismissal.

What should you do immediately after summary dismissal?

Use this step-by-step plan:

1. Ask immediately for written confirmation

2. Do not agree, not even verbally

3. Keep everything (texts, emails, pay slips)

4. Write down exactly what happened

5. Have the termination legally reviewed

Even one wrong message can be used against you later.

Common mistakes by young people

• thinking: “it is probably correct”

• not objecting

• waiting too long

• responding angrily to the employer

• resigning after summary dismissal

The latter is especially risky: by doing so you can lose rights.

Are you unsure whether your dismissal is justified?

Are you:

• student

• part-timer

• temporary agency worker

• young person with a part-time job

and are you summarily dismissed (or is that imminent)?

Then have your situation assessed quickly. In many cases it turns out that:

• the dismissal goes too far

• the employer has made mistakes

• you are in a stronger position than you think

👉 Feel free to get in touch to have us take a look. That can make a big difference.