Immediate dismissal for serious misconduct
Can I be dismissed overnight?
What the law says
- Either side can end the contract without notice for a serious reason caused by the other side (Art. L. 124-10).
- A serious reason is an act or fault that makes it immediately and permanently impossible to keep working together (Art. L. 124-10).
- The registered letter must state precisely the facts and why they are serious; without written reasons, the dismissal is unfair (Art. L. 124-10).
- An employee dismissed for serious misconduct has no right to severance pay (Art. L. 124-10).
Watch out for
- Judges take into account your education, work history, social situation and the consequences of the dismissal (Art. L. 124-10).
Who can help
Official source : Code du travail (version du 26.7.2026) · Checked on 21.10.2026