Official form guide
Form Termination of employment letter template: Termination of employment letter template
The Termination of Employment Letter Template is a four‑page guide from the Fair Work Ombudsman. Use it when you need to write a formal termination letter for an employee because of unsatisfactory performance or conduct.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form Termination of employment letter template - Termination of employment letter template
The Termination of Employment Letter Template is a four‑page guide from the Fair Work Ombudsman. Use it when you need to write a formal termination letter for an employee because of unsatisfactory performance or conduct.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Common mistake: not allowing the employee a support person at the termination meeting.
- 2Missing documentation of performance issues
- 3Failing to allow a support person at the meeting
- 4Not following the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code when applicable
- 5Providing an incorrect notice period
Plain English
This template helps you put together a clear, written notice that meets Fair Work rules. It shows where to list the steps you took, the reason for ending the job, the notice period or pay in lieu, and the final employment date.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Use it when you have decided to terminate an employee after following the recommended counselling and warning steps, and you must give written notice before the termination date.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When ending an employee’s job because of unsatisfactory performance or conduct.
- When you need to give written notice or payment in lieu of notice.
- When you want a ready‑made letter that includes required details such as reasons, notice period and last day of work.
- If you are a small business, use this together with the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code.
- Not for redundancy, resignation or mutual termination situations.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Redundancy termination
Different legal requirements and redundancy pay
✓ Check award or agreement for redundancy clauses
Fair Work Redundancy Letter template
Employee resignation
No notice period required from employer
✓ Verify employee’s notice notice period if any
Mutual termination agreement
Both parties agree to end employment
✓ Ensure terms are signed by both parties
Mutual termination agreement template
Small business unfair dismissal
Specific steps for small employers
✓ Confirm business qualifies as small under the code
Small Business Fair Dismissal Code checklist
Deadline or filing window
Notice must be given in writing before the termination date; there is no separate filing deadline.
Before you submit
- 1Met with the employee and explained the reasons for termination.
- 2Provided the employee with a written copy of the letter.
- 3Verified the notice period or payment in lieu amount is correct.
- 4Removed all optional sections that do not apply.
- 5Kept a signed copy of the letter for your records.
- 6Checked that any final pay includes required deductions for annual leave.
- 7Informed the employee about possible Centrelink waiting periods.
- 8Contacted the Fair Work Infoline if you were unsure about any step.
- 9Ensured the letter follows the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code if applicable.
How to file this form
- 1Download the four‑page template from the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
- 2Fill in all red placeholders with the employee’s details and termination specifics.
- 3Remove blue italic guidance and any optional sections that do not apply.
- 4Review the notice period against the NES or relevant industrial instrument.
- 5Arrange a meeting with the employee and hand over the completed letter.
- 6Keep a copy of the signed letter in your personnel file.
- 7If needed, call 13 13 94 for further advice.
Known limitations
- 1Template is a guide, not a legal contract.
- 2Does not replace the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code for small employers.
- 3Not suitable for redundancy, resignation or mutual termination cases.
- 4Does not guarantee protection against unfair dismissal claims.
- 5Does not cover all possible payment entitlements; check the award for additional items.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The four‑page Termination of employment letter template is the current version provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman; no recent updates are indicated.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Replace all red < > placeholders with employee‑specific information.
- Delete any blue italic explanatory text after completing the letter.
- Confirm the notice period matches the National Employment Standards or the applicable award/agreement.
- Decide whether the employee will work the notice period or receive payment in lieu.
- Check if annual leave has been paid in advance and note any deductions.
- Add your name and position at the end of the letter.
Quick Facts
Sources
- SRCLetter must outline reasons for terminationsource p.2
- SRCLetter must specify notice period or payment in lieusource p.2
- SRCLetter must advise the employee of the last day of worksource p.2
- SRCBlue italic explanatory text should be deleted after completing the lettersource p.2
- SRCSome termination payments may result in Centrelink waiting periodssource p.4
- SRCSmall business should follow the Small Business Fair Dismissal Codesource p.1
- SRCFair Work Infoline phone number is 13 13 94 for assistancesource p.1 & p.2
- SRCIf annual leave was paid in advance, any remaining leave is deducted from final paysource p.4
Common confusion points
Mixing up notice period with payment in lieu of notice.
Leaving blue italic guidance text in the final letter.
Failing to delete optional sections that are not relevant.
Not checking the award for a longer notice period than the NES.
Assuming the template covers redundancy or resignation.
Overlooking the need to explain Centrelink waiting periods.
Not keeping a copy of the letter for records.
Skipping the meeting to discuss the termination with the employee.
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