Question
Can a worker leave his work without serving notice to his employer? Legally the worker has to give two weeks notice. The employer too has to give the worker two weeks notice before dismissing him. But if he does not want the worker to continue in his employ, then legally he has to pay him the wages of two weeks. Is this permissible?
Answer
It is legally permissible according to the Shariah for a worker to quit his job at any time he wishes. However, morally it is required that he serves notice to the employer to enable him (the employer) to make other arrangements. Nevertheless, it is permissible for the worker to serve notice and leave the same day. According to the Shariah the employer is under no obligation to pay his worker wages for two weeks of notice, if the worker does not work the two weeks. The employer is not obliged to make any monetary settlement with the employee for any days/weeks that he does not work. Thus, if the employer dismisses his worker without giving him two weeks notice, he (the employer) is not obliged to pay the worker two weeks notice pay as is required by the law of the land. In the same way, the employee can leave without serving two weeks notice.
- Source
- themajlis.co.za
- Published in
- The Majlis Vol 20 No 03
- PDF page
- 5
Appears under Questions and Answers (approximate).