[Direct answer]In the Beijing area, the process is to first stabilize the situation, then collect evidence, and finally protect one's rights. Verbal dismissal is also considered a termination of employment in legal terms, but the word "verbal" makes it difficult to provide evidence. The order of response determines the outcome: do not sign any blank documents; require the employer to issue a written notice of dismissal; immediately fix evidence (recording of conversations, chat records, deactivation of access cards, attendance anomalies, and witness statements from colleagues); then claim compensation at double the standard of economic compensation for unlawful termination, or demand the continuation of the labor contract; special reminder - if you hear verbal orders to leave, you really shouldn't go to work, as you may be accused of absenteeism. The correct approach is to respond in writing to request a clear termination decision, and during this period, attend work as normal or provide a written explanation of being on standby.
1. Problem background and typical scenarios
The supervisor simply issued an oral notice saying, "Don't come tomorrow," without providing any written document or compensation plan. The employee, infuriated, walked out immediately. Two months later, when the arbitration hearing took place, the company insisted that the employee had "automatically resigned due to absenteeism." In the game of verbal dismissal, whoever collects evidence first and follows the proper procedures will gain the upper hand.
II. Key points of contention
First, who should provide the evidence to prove the facts. Second, a list of actions for preserving evidence. Third, the choice between compensation and continued performance of the contract. Fourth, preserving the handover of duties and settlement of benefits upon termination of employment.
III. Professional analysis by Henglue Lawyers
The first layer is the burden of proof in labor disputes: In labor disputes, the employer bears the burden of proof for the termination decision, but the particularity of oral terminations is that the employer often denies the termination afterwards and claims that the employee was absent from work—the employee's task is to turn "the employer telling you to leave" into admissible evidence: conversation recordings (recordings that do not infringe on others' legitimate rights or seriously violate public order and good customs are valid evidence), HR or supervisor's dismissal statements on WeChat, work handover notifications, screenshots of disabled access permissions, and records of withheld wages. Multiple pieces of evidence form a timeline, and the employer's "absenteeism" narrative will be self-contradictory. The second layer is a list of response actions: - Do not sign any blank documents on the spot (resignation applications and voluntary waiver of compensation are red flags). - Require the employer to issue a termination notice in writing (send a "Letter Requiring Clarification of Labor Relationship" via email or EMS to the company's registered address). - Continue to attend work after receiving an oral dismissal or provide written reasons for being unable to work normally to avoid being accused of absenteeism. - Simultaneously back up payroll records, labor contracts, and attendance records—it's nearly impossible to gather evidence retrospectively after a dispute arises. The third layer is the claim path and amounts: - For unlawful terminations, demand continued performance (if willing to resume work and the position is still available) or claim compensation equal to twice the economic compensation standard (commonly called the "double base", calculating two months' salary for each completed year of service), with monthly salaries based on the average of the previous 12 months. - For negotiated terminations, strive for "N+1" or higher compensation. - There is no additional compensation for unlawful terminations without 30-day notice (applies to lawful terminations for no-fault reasons). Avoid confusing statements during negotiations. The fourth layer is protection of benefits: - Settle wages in full upon departure (claim unpaid wages if delayed until the next pay period). - Calculate unpaid annual leave at three times the daily wage and claim overtime and bonuses based on evidence. - Require the employer to issue a departure certificate and transfer files and social insurance within 15 days—the departure certificate is essential for joining a new employer. Complaints and claims for compensation can be filed if the employer refuses to issue it.
IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis
The first step is to stabilize the situation and preserve the audio evidence on the spot; the second step is to request in writing a clear decision to terminate the employment contract and to continue attending work; the third step is to organize the timeline of evidence and file an arbitration claim (within one year); the fourth step is to simultaneously claim wages, annual leave, and severance certificates. The main legal basis: Articles 39, 40, 47, and 48 of the Labor Contract Law of the People's Republic of China, and relevant provisions of the Labor Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Law of the People's Republic of China; the specific application shall be subject to the currently effective regulations.
5. Henglu Law Firm's Reminder
Three sentences for oral dismissal: Factual dismissal must be supported by evidence, and recorded conversations and access control records can be used as a timeline; do not sign blank documents or quit work out of anger; written confirmation is the key to settling the dispute; in the case of illegal dismissal, claim double compensation or demand continued performance, and also claim wages, annual leave, and severance certificates. For cases involving illegal dismissal and labor arbitration, you can seek legal assistance through the following channels:Labor arbitration and work-related injury compensationThe service obtains an overall solution, and those involving rights calculation can be integrated into it.Personal injury and medical disputesFor more information on plates, please refer to the frequently asked questions section.Business and contract disputes in enterprisesFor any questions regarding difficult situations, please feel free to consult us through this columnSpecial servicesTeam.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: If I'm told I'm being dismissed verbally, can I just not go to work anymore?
It is not recommended. First, you should request a clear termination notice in writing. During this period, you should attend work as usual or provide a written explanation. If you simply disappear without notice, you may be regarded as absent without leave.
Q2: How should one choose between double compensation and N+1?
Claim compensation for double economic compensation standards in the event of unlawful termination; claim compensation according to N or N+1 in the case of lawful termination. First determine the nature of the termination and then decide on the claim.
Q3: Can private recordings be used as evidence?
Yes. Recordings that do not seriously infringe on others' rights or violate legal prohibitions can be used as evidence. It is crucial that the conversation be natural, complete, and contain clear identity references during the recording process.
Q4: What should I do if my employer refuses to issue a resignation certificate?
It is a legal obligation to issue a resignation certificate. If the employer refuses to do so, you can file a complaint with the labor supervision authority. If the employer's refusal results in losses during the recruitment process, you can claim compensation.
Q5: Within how long should a labor arbitration application be submitted?
One year, calculated from the date on which the employee becomes aware of the infringement of their rights; for disputes over unpaid wages, the one-year time limit does not apply during the employee's employment period, but the employee must assert their rights within one year after leaving the job.
The above Q&A is mainly based on the judicial practice in Beijing. There may be differences in the adjudication opinions in different regions. It is recommended to consult a professional lawyer based on the specific circumstances of the case.
If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the evidence materials, to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Labor arbitration legal services·Beijing Henglu Law Firm
Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and open adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If you encounter disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.