The eight things you didn’t know could get you FIRED in 2021 including the way you choose to dress 

Wearing the wrong clothes, telling people too much about where you work and using colourful language can get you fired in 2021.

Employment law expert, Alan McDonald, revealed eight little-known reasons you could be legitimately sacked.

Mr McDonald is a legal practitioner from employment law firm McDonald Murholme who has dedicated his career on the subject.

He told Seek causing risk to the business, failing to comply with your organisation’s policies, divulging information about your business, dishonesty, receiving gifts, lying on your job application and dress code violations are all valid reasons for dismissal.

Risk to the business is considered serious misconduct by Fair Work, but is not a well-known reason for dismissal.

Mr McDonald explained that most people know causing actual damage to the business where they work will get the fired but aren’t aware creating the risk for damage can also lead to you losing your job.

And the risk doesn’t have to be related to the business’ property. 

‘Creating a risk to an employer’s business viability can arise from damage to reputation, profitability and even risk to the health of the business owner – and that’s especially relevant now with COVID-19,’ he explained.   

Failing to comply with your organisation’s policies in another big issue which can see you fired. 

Dishonesty, such as using the work credit card or car for personal use can also get you fired

Mr McDonald explained this included things posted on social media, which could go against your business’ guidelines.

Avoiding posts about your boss or co-workers is recommended.

Divulging too much information about the business could also see you lose your job regardless of whether your actions were malicious.

‘Where an employee divulges even small parts of that information can lead to dismissal, due to the potential damage to the business,’ Mr McDonald said.

Dishonesty was the next subject on the legal expert’s list and included taking advantage or work vehicles and company credit cards.

He recommend if a mistake is made, such as a purchase being made on the company card by mistake, then you should explain yourself.

The ‘cover up’ can lead to harsher consequences.

The next subject touched on by McDonald is receiving of gifts which may or may not put you at risk.

If you are employed by a government body then it is probably against policy to accept gifts of any kind. 

People should approach their HR department if they are unsure about whether or not they can accept gifts, McDonald said.

Lying on job applications can also lead to dismissal, he explained noting that many people exaggerate their skills and experience to this point.

He said tribunals will often back-up employers over such issues.

The final subject covered by Mr McDonald is dress code violations.

He explained one violation of the company’s rules may not lead to dismissal but  if you have received warnings on the issue it can.

This refers to an employer’s lawful and reasonable policies about wearing a uniform or adhering to specified dress standards, he said. 

Mr McDonald recommends people get legal advice or contact Fair Work if they believe they have been dismissed unfairly.