Summary Dismissal: What Does It Mean for Young Workers?

·3 min read
Summary Dismissal: What Does It Mean for Young Workers?

Facing summary dismissal as a student or part-time worker? Learn when it's allowed, when it's not, and what steps you should take immediately.

Summinary dismissal is the severest form of dismissal. Yet this measure is used remarkably often among young people — sometimes too quickly, sometimes even wrongly. Especially with side jobs, part-time work and temporary work, employers think that it is “possible”.

That is not always the case. In this blog we clearly explain when summary dismissal is allowed, when not, and what you as a young person must do immediately.


What is summary dismissal foot?

In the event of immediate dismissal:

  • your job will stop immediately

  • you will no longer receive any wages

  • you are usually not entitled to a transition compensation

  • can it have consequences for a benefit

That is precisely why the law sets strict requirements for this type of dismissal.


When can summary dismissal be given?

Only if all conditions are met:

  1. There must be an urgent reason are

  2. For example:

    • theft

    • violence or serious threats

    • fraud

    • persistent refusal to work

  3. Dismissal must follow immediately
    An employer is not allowed to wait for days or “think about it” first.

  4. The reason must be made immediately clear. communicated
    Orally and preferably in writing.

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


Why do things often go wrong for young people?

In practice we often see this:

  • dismissal after a quarrel or discussion

  • dismissal due to being late (without warnings)

  • dismissal after Reporting sick

  • dismissal via a WhatsApp message

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

👉 These are usually not valid reasons for summary dismissal.


“But I'm only a student or part-timer…”

That doesn't make any difference difference.

The rules for summary dismissal apply:

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 please note:
You must act quickly.
There is often a short period to contest 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 verbal

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

  4. Make a note of what exactly happened

  5. Have the dismissal checked legally

Even one wrong message can be used against you later.


Common mistakes made by young people

  • thinking: will be correct”

  • do not object

  • wait too long

  • react angrily to the employer

  • resign yourself after summary dismissal

The latter is extra risky: it can result in you losing your rights.


Are you unsure whether your dismissal is justified?

Ben you:

  • student

  • part-timer

  • > quick assessment. In many cases it turns out that:

    • the dismissal goes too far

    • the employer has made mistakes

    • you are stronger than you think

    👉 Feel free to contact us to have a look. That can make a big difference.

Frequently asked questions

Wat zijn mijn rechten bij ontslag?
Bij ontslag heeft u mogelijk recht op een transitievergoeding, een correcte opzegtermijn en in sommige gevallen een billijke vergoeding. Teken nooit zomaar een vaststellingsovereenkomst zonder juridisch advies.
Kan mijn werkgever mij zomaar ontslaan?
Nee, uw werkgever moet een geldige reden hebben en de juiste procedure volgen. Bij een vast contract is toestemming van het UWV of de kantonrechter vereist, tenzij u instemt met een vaststellingsovereenkomst.
Back to blog
Share this article

Need legal advice?

Schedule a free consultation with one of our specialists