Removal from WhatsApp group constitutes dismissal

The convenience of social media means that more businesses than ever consider social media applications to be a useful communication tool for their workplace.

In a recent case before the Fair Work Commission (the "FWC"), the question arose of whether removing an employee from a group chat constituted dismissal (read the case here).

Facts

The employee commenced casual employment at a patisserie where rostered shifts were published on a weekly basis via a WhatsApp group chat, which included all staff members.

However, the employee experienced a decline in her mental wellbeing six months into her role and the employer's understanding was that the employee was in "no state for work".