“You don't have to come tomorrow anymore.”
“It doesn't work like that, we'll stop.”
“Good luck.”
Many young people get their dismissal via WhatsApp. This happens every day, especially with side jobs, part-time work and temporary work. The question is: is that actually allowed?
The short answer: sometimes, but often not.
In this blog we explain when dismissal via WhatsApp can be valid and when not, and what you must do immediately.
Is dismissal via WhatsApp allowed at all?
The law does not literally say: “WhatsApp dismissal is not allowed.”
But: dismissal must be clear, legally valid and correct.
And that is where things often go wrong.
When is a WhatsApp dismissal usually invalid?
In these situations, dismissal via WhatsApp is often not legally valid:
1. There is no valid reason for dismissal
A message like:
“It's not working”
“We no longer have work”
“The manager is not satisfied”
is not a valid reason for dismissal
2. No correct dismissal procedure has been followed
The following applies to most contracts:
dismissal must be via official routes
sometimes with permission
sometimes with notice period
An app is then not sufficient.
3. You have a current contract
Do you have:
a temporary contract
a 0-hour contract
a temporary employment contract without a valid temporary employment clause
Then a simple WhatsApp message cannot simply mean the end of your job.
4. Dismissal via WhatsApp after illness
Do you become ill and then receive a text message telling you that you no longer have to come?
👉 That is very suspicious and often not allowed.
When can dismissal via WhatsApp be valid?
In exceptional situations, for example:
during a valid probationary period
in the event of justified summary dismissal
if the WhatsApp message is a confirmation of something that has already been correctly arranged
But even then all conditions must be met.
Why WhatsApp dismissal is so common among young people
Employers often think:
“It is just a side job”
“It's flexible work”
“That's how we always do it”
But convenience for the employer does not mean that it is legally correct.
What if you don't respond to the app?
Not responding does not automatically mean that you agree.
But note: sitting still is sitting still. also risky
It is important to:
clearly let them know that you are available
do not consent
save the message
What should you do immediately if you are dismissed via WhatsApp?
Follow this step-by-step plan:
Take screenshots of the message
Respond calmly and businesslike (disagree)
Indicate that you are available for work
Save contract, schedules and pay slips
Have a legal assessment whether the dismissal is valid
One wrong answer can be used against you later.
Common mistakes made by young people
reacting angrily or emotionally
texting back “okay”
resigning yourself
leaving everything alone
thinking that WhatsApp is automatically valid
That is a shame. The employee is often strong.
Are you unsure about your WhatsApp dismissal?
Are you:
student
part-timer
temporary worker
young person with a part-time job
and your employer has fired you via WhatsApp or said that you no longer have to come?
Then have it checked. In many cases it appears that:
the dismissal is not legally valid
you are entitled to wages or compensation
the employer acted too quickly
👉 Please feel free to contact us to have your situation assessed.