Casual Contract: Termination via text message?
My employment contract states that either party must provide one day's notice to terminate the contract. Prior to this, my supervisor and I had verbally agreed that I would continue working on a regular basis over the next few months to the end of the year.
However, I had to undergo emergency surgery. My surgeon and GP advised that I would need approximately 3-6 months to recover, and both provided me with medical certificates confirming this. I informed my supervisor as soon as I received this information and let them know about my medical diagnosis and expected recovery period. Although my employer did not ask for medical documentation, I had medical certificates available from both my surgeon and GP.
I understand that employers are not required to keep a position open indefinitely while an employee is unable to work. However, this is the first time in more than four years with the company that I have needed an extended period away from work due to an unexpected medical emergency.
Instead of discussing any options with me, I was informed via text message that my employment was being terminated.
The message also stated that I was welcome to text them in the future if I wanted to be rehired once I had recovered. To be honest, after being dismissed in these circumstances, I have no interest in returning to work for the company. I'm mainly trying to understand whether the way this was handled was appropriate and whether I have any legal options, rather than seeking re-employment.
I'm wondering whether this is considered normal or lawful, particularly given my length of service, the medical circumstances, and the fact that I gave my employer notice of my situation as soon as I could.