Can you fire someone for excessive absenteeism?
Sarah Garza
Updated on April 06, 2026
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, an employer is not allowed to dismiss an employee if the employee is temporarily absent from work because of illness or injury. However, you may have a reasonable case for dismissing an employee if they take extended periods of time off work or exhaust their sick leave.
Can an employer threaten an employee with termination?
Duress is “[a]ny coercion of another, either mental, physical, or otherwise, causing him to act contrary to his own free will or to submit to a situation or conditions against his own volition or interests.” Mitchell v.
What is excessive leave?
Excessive annual leave Generally, under these new rules, an annual leave balance is considered ‘excessive’ if an employee has more than: 8 weeks of annual leave, or. 10 weeks of annual leave if they are a shiftworker.
What is frequent absences or tardiness?
Frequent absenteeism and tardiness can cause tension among co-workers. Employees who show up to work regularly and on time feel frustrated that a chronically late or absent employee is giving them an increased workload by forcing them to fill in. They may also pass judgment on the person’s perceived laziness.
Can a tardiness cause an employer to terminate an employee?
Our Supreme Court ruled that habitual tardiness could be considered as gross or habitual neglect of duty, which is a just cause to dismiss an employee. Thus, her employer had a valid ground to terminate her. As explained by the Supreme Court: “A probationary employee, like a regular employee, enjoys security of tenure.
Can a company terminate an employee due to excessive absences?
The next day you call in sick to work could be your last. However, a company probably won’t terminate you due to excessive absenteeism for illness if you have a legitimate medical condition. Federal and state laws protect most workers from discrimination arising from medical conditions.
Can a company terminate an employee for taking too many sick days?
Companies must conduct a thorough investigation before terminating an employee for taking too many sick days. The employee should review company sick leave policy and request a leave of absence if he needs an extended period of time to get better.
Can a probationary employee be fired for any reason?
As a rule, a probationary employee may be terminated for a lawful cause or if he fails to qualify as a regular employee pursuant to the reasonable standards set by the employer, which was made known to the employee at the time of his engagement. This is clearly provided for under our Labor Code: ! ! ! ! “Article 281.