The period is normally 7 to 14 days. Payment in lieu of notice can be given. Employees can normally be dismissed summarily for misconduct. Most employees will have a right to apply to an industrial tribunal for reinstatement. These tribunals are empowered to order an employer to reinstate or reemploy a dismissed employee if the dismissal has been harsh, unfair or unjust.
Some tribunals have power to award compensation as an alternative to reinstatement.
Similar legislation exists in most States. Breaches of the legislation may attract fines, and orders may be made that compensation be awarded to the employee.