A text exchange two days later undercut the employer's entire resignation argument
A workplace argument over phone use spiralled into a Fair Work dispute over whether an employee resigned or was pushed out.
The case, Goss v Cornerstone Dental Group Pty Ltd [2026] FWC 1169, decided on 7 April 2026, centred on an exchange between Shawn Taka Edward Goss and Dr Vernice Lo, a director of Cornerstone Dental Group, which trades as Dental Advance.
On 7 November 2025, Dr Lo raised concerns with Goss about his phone use during work hours. The conversation quickly went sideways. According to Goss, he told Dr Lo at the end of their exchange that he would look for other work and give notice once he found a new role. According to Dr Lo, Goss resigned on the spot.
What happened next is where the picture gets complicated.
Goss left his shift early that day and exited all company WhatsApp group chats. Two days later, on 9 November 2025, he texted Dr Lo to say he would not be attending work the following day. Dr Lo acknowledged the message, making no mention of any resignation.
On 10 November 2025, Goss emailed Dental Advance formally tendering his resignation. He referenced plans to see his GP on 12 November 2025 for a stress leave certificate and advised he would be unable to work that week. That same day, Dr Lo responded with a letter confirming what she described as Goss's verbal resignation on 7 November 2025, stating he had abandoned his post and that his departure took immediate...
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