Hairdresser gives four weeks' notice, gets sacked the next day
A hairdresser raised pay concerns, resigned, and was summarily dismissed the next morning. The Fair Work Commission found no valid reason.
The decision, handed down on 30 March 2026, centres on Ms Abbie Small, who had worked as a full-time hairdresser at Sharp N Stylish Pty Ltd since approximately February 2020. Her superannuation had not been paid for a considerable period, and she was being paid below the applicable award rate. On 21 November 2025, she emailed the business raising concerns about her pay rate. She had also been in contact with a colleague about the absence of documentation from Sharp needed to complete their tax returns for the previous financial year.
Four days later, on 25 November 2025, Ms Small sent a formal resignation email to the salon's owner, Ms Hollie Lobb, giving four weeks' notice. Her notice period was due to run until 23 December 2025. She worked her normal day at the salon.
The following morning, on 26 November 2025, the two discussed the resignation. Ms Lobb accused Ms Small of effectively trying to drive a wedge between the business and its employees by raising the tax documentation issue with a colleague. Ms Lobb then told Ms Small, "Get the fuck out of my salon. I am glad you are leaving."
Ms Small left the salon. A staff member gathered her personal belongings for her father to collect later that day. In text messages that followed, Ms Lobb sent a lengthy letter raising...
This article is commentary on matters of public concern. It is not legal advice. Consult licensed counsel about specific situations. This is Wrong. This is Illegal The President of the United Stat...