Understanding employment termination in Cyprus helps both employers and employees reduce risks. This guide explains notice periods, grounds for dismissal, severance, and what to do in an unfair dismissal scenario.
Under the Termination of Employment Law (Law 24/1967, amended), the required notice depends on length of service:
Employers and employees must give written notice. However, during probation, employers can terminate without notice. Continuing uncertainty? Employers may pay wages in lieu of notice.
Cypriot law allows immediate dismissal without notice only for “gross misconduct,” such as:
Still, legal guidance typically expects at least a hearing before termination.
When employers make dismissals for economic or operational reasons (i.e., redundancy), they must follow a specific procedure. These include:
Employees may claim unfair dismissal in the Labour Disputes Court:
Constructive dismissal occurs when an employer makes working conditions so intolerable that an employee feels forced to quit. Under such conditions, the court may treat it as wrongful termination, leading to compensation claims in Cyprus.
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Notice periods | Based on service length; written notice always required |
| Immediate dismissal | Only valid for serious misconduct; follow hearing steps |
| Redundancy | Requires authority notice, severance, and rehire rights |
| Unfair dismissal | Employees can challenge termination in court |
| Constructive dismissal | Can lead to wrongful-dismissal claims |
Both employers and employees must understand their rights and duties. Employers can avoid costly legal disputes, and employees can protect their livelihoods.
For more legal insights and guidance, visit Soneverse and explore our comprehensive Law Guide Page.
On everything business-related
