Sacked! Young Workers Dismissal and the Psychological Contract

Abstract

Despite the vulnerability of youth in paid work, little is known of the circumstances surrounding breakdowns of the employment relationship for this cohort. This study utilised over 1,200 cases of employee enquiries to a community advocacy organisation to explore the types and circumstances of workplace dismissal. Results indicate that dismissal is most commonly associated with bullying, harassment and taking personal leave. Many of the circumstances which emerged were concerning and
demonstrate a range of poor outcomes in situations where employers capitalise on youths' inexperience, limited representation and relative difficulty in seeking legal redress. The findings expose exploitation within the youth labour market that violates both the psychological and legal contract of employment.