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Can I Sack an Apprentice?

By: J.A.J Aaronson - Updated: 17 Nov 2023 | comments*Discuss
 
Apprentice Sacking Dismissal Dismiss

Apprentices can be a hugely valuable addition to your workforce. Many businesses rely on apprentices to provide them with the skills they need, and many apprentices go on to climb within the business in which they train.

Sometimes, though, things don’t work out. It is sometimes necessary to dismiss apprentices. While this is not a pleasant task, there is often no alternative. It is legally possible to sack apprentices. But you need to make sure that you act within the boundaries of the law in order to avoid a potentially expensive employment tribunal.

Can I Sack Apprentices?

Yes. Apprentices are employees just like any other. This means various things. To begin with, it means that they are entitled to the same rights and protections that all other employees enjoy. For example, they are entitled to be paid a certain amount. But it also means that they can be treated like employees in other ways too – so they are not immune from sacking.

It is important to remember, however, that dismissals must be carried out in a manner that is legally valid. If you fail to adhere to the rules when sacking an apprentice (or, indeed, any other employee) you could end up with an expensive tribunal to face.

On What Grounds Can I Sack an Apprentice?

In order to sack someone legally, you have to establish fair grounds for their dismissal. There is a range of factors that might be considered fair grounds. These include, for example, poor conduct, or an inability to perform the job properly. Fair grounds might also include a legal reason that the apprentice can no longer work – for example if they are a driver and they lose their licence.

In addition, you must be able to show that you have acted reasonably during the course of the dismissal. There is, as yet, no firm legal definition of ‘reasonableness’. But in order for your conduct to be deemed reasonable, you will probably have to fulfil certain criteria. You must, for example, be able to show that you had a genuine and reasonable belief that the grounds for dismissal were fair. You may also have to show that you told the apprentice that you were considering sacking them, and that you gave them adequate opportunity to appeal. You will also be required to show, where applicable, that you conducted a proper and thorough investigation before dismissing them.

What Procedures Must I Follow?

Employers are required to have a written set of disciplinary and dismissal procedures. These must be drawn up in accordance with the Acas codes of practice, and they must be provided to all employees. You must follow these procedures at all times.

If you fail to abide by your own procedures, or if you do not have any procedures, you will have a much harder time showing that you have dismissed your apprentice fairly and reasonably. You can get the relevant codes of practice from the Acas website.

What About Fixed Term Contracts?

An apprentice’s contract with their employer normally has a specified length – but it is not legally considered to be a fixed term contract. Indeed, the Fixed Term Employees Regulations exclude apprentices altogether.

In practice, apprentices enjoy many more rights than those offered to a worker on a fixed term contract. If you want to dismiss an apprentice, the onus is on you to show that you are not breaking the terms of your agreement with the apprentice.

This has significant implications for dismissal. If you break the terms of the agreement, the apprentice stands a good chance of being awarded at tribunal all the wages they would otherwise have been paid for the length of the contract. You therefore need to be very careful when it comes to dismissing apprentices.

You should consider making sure that your disciplinary procedures, and what you consider to be fair and reasonable grounds for dismissal, are included in the apprentice agreement. This way you stand less chance of being accused of breaking the contract in the event that you have to dismiss an apprentice for one of these reasons. More information about fixed term contracts and apprentices is available elsewhere on this site.

Dismissal is a difficult process, and one that is fraught with potential legal problems. If you are in any doubt you should seek independent advice before taking action.

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My daughter called me today at 1130 in tears, she went to work at 830 and was approached by two ladies (the owner of the farm and the college coord) who told her she was not fitting in and therefore was being let go with immediate effect, she was told in addition.she hadn’t updated the WhatsApp group chat (!) when she was going to be be late even just a few minutes in a handful of times due to traffic - I must add she also worked past her working hours on each of these occasions (and many other times due to lift times), she was told she would receive her pay for what she had worked but holiday pay would be deducted as well then dismissed.No warning, no contact, no process followed I am absolutely shocked by owner and the college, college coord had little‘signal’ so could not do anything until week after my daughters father was informed when he contacted her! Disgraceful and clearly being used as cheap labour!
DF - 17-Nov-23 @ 3:26 PM
My son has been on an apprenticeship, he came home early today to say that his contract had been terminated. His boss had a telephone call from the college he was going to and was told that they didn’t want my son in their college because he was disruptive and had an attitude, baring in mind he has autism, Asperger’s and adhd, which he informed the company on his interview and also his lecturer at college
Choo - 28-Sep-23 @ 4:20 PM
My daughter came home from work early yesterday very upset as she had been sacked from her apprenticeship. She went to work that morning and accidentally clipped another employees car in the car park when parking. She had never had an accident before, was shaken and didn't know whose car it was at first. After finding out she told the person, gave all details and said she would pay for repairs. She also told the company Operations Manager what happened. Later that afternoon she was called into a room by the Operations Manager and told 'He has been thinking about it all day and she is sacked'! She was given a letter and told to leave. Surely this is not legal? A car accident is not a company issue. She had been there almost 7 months and had been told she passed her probation.
Ez - 8-Mar-23 @ 9:33 AM
My daughter came home from work early yesterday very upset as she had been sacked from her apprenticeship. She went to work that morning and accidentally clipped another employees car in the car park when parking. She had never had an accident before, was shaken and didn't know whose car it was at first. After finding out she told the person, gave all details and said she would pay for repairs. She also told the company Operations Manager what happened. Later that afternoon she was called into a room by the Operations Manager and told 'He has been thinking about it all day and she is sacked'! She was given a letter and told to leave. Surely this is not legal? A car accident is not a company issue.
Ez - 8-Mar-23 @ 9:31 AM
My daughter come home in tears today after a company took her on a month ago saying that they will teach her accountancy it was a constution company and that it all in the job learning no collage. She had a contract which looked legit. They got rid of her today along with 4 other people saying they don't have the funds to keep her any more. The thing is they are still advertising for apprentices on indeed surely this is not legal? My daughter said all their staff are apprentices. So I'm thinking they are just doing this for money from the government. My question is that is there any one I can talk to about this company has I really don't want this to happen to anyone else? My daughter isvulnerable adult and I feel they took advantage of her.
Claress - 10-Aug-22 @ 6:27 PM
So my son was an apprentice for just over a month. In his first week he told me they were very relaxed in meetings and swearing a lot, I thought this very unprofessional in front of a young apprentice but my son obviously got the idea that people were laid back and because others were swearing he accidentally swore himself one day and got pulled into HR and reprimanded. He put this behind him and just tried to get his head down and do his work. Just recently on a work night out he was being friendly chatting to other members of staff to get to know them better and put his arm around one of his female colleagues for a photo. Fast forward a week and another staff member out that evening has put in a formal complaint about his conduct on the night out and said he was acting inappropriately which he says he was a but drunk friendly but not over the top. Anyway he got pulled in and basically told they were letting him go. I’m so annoyed as at this age surely they are still young and impressionable that should be taken into consideration.
Upset - 19-Jul-22 @ 7:51 AM
So my son was an apprentice for just over a month. In his first week he told me they were very relaxed in meetings and swearing a lot, I thought this very unprofessional in front of a young apprentice but my son obviously got the idea that people were laid back and because others were swearing he accidentally swore himself one day and got pulled into HR and reprimanded. He put this behind him and just tried to get his head down and do his work. Just recently on a work night out he was being friendly chatting to other members of staff to get to know them better and put his arm around one of his female colleagues for a photo. Fast forward a week and another staff member out that evening has put in a formal complaint about his conduct on the night out and said he was acting inappropriately which he says he was a but drunk friendly but not over the top. Anyway he got pulled in and basically told they were letting him go. I’m so annoyed as at this age surely they are still young and impressionable that should be taken into consideration.
Upset - 18-Jul-22 @ 5:41 PM
So my son was an apprentice for just over a month. In his first week he told me they were very relaxed in meetings and swearing a lot, I thought this very unprofessional in front of a young apprentice but my son obviously got the idea that people were laid back and because others were swearing he accidentally swore himself one day and got pulled into HR and reprimanded. He put this behind him and just tried to get his head down and do his work. Just recently on a work night out he was being friendly chatting to other members of staff to get to know them better and put his arm around one of his female colleagues for a photo. Fast forward a week and another staff member out that evening has put in a formal complaint about his conduct on the night out and said he was acting inappropriately which he says he was a but drunk friendly but not over the top. Anyway he got pulled in and basically told they were letting him go. I’m so annoyed as at this age surely they are still young and impressionable that should be taken into consideration.
Upset - 18-Jul-22 @ 12:32 AM
So my son was an apprentice for just over a month. In his first week he told me they were very relaxed in meetings and swearing a lot, I thought this very unprofessional in front of a young apprentice but my son obviously got the idea that people were laid back and because others were swearing he accidentally swore himself one day and got pulled into HR and reprimanded. He put this behind him and just tried to get his head down and do his work. Just recently on a work night out he was being friendly chatting to other members of staff to get to know them better and put his arm around one of his female colleagues for a photo. Fast forward a week and another staff member out that evening has put in a formal complaint about his conduct on the night out and said he was acting inappropriately which he says he was a but drunk friendly but not over the top. Anyway he got pulled in and basically told they were letting him go. I’m so annoyed as at this age surely they are still young and impressionable that should be taken into consideration.
Upset - 17-Jul-22 @ 11:52 PM
So my son was an apprentice for just over a month. In his first week he told me they were very relaxed in meetings and swearing a lot, I thought this very unprofessional in front of a young apprentice but my son obviously got the idea that people were laid back and because others were swearing he accidentally swore himself one day and got pulled into HR and reprimanded. He put this behind him and just tried to get his head down and do his work. Just recently on a work night out he was being friendly chatting to other members of staff to get to know them better and put his arm around one of his female colleagues for a photo. Fast forward a week and another staff member out that evening has put in a formal complaint about his conduct on the night out and said he was acting inappropriately which he says he was a but drunk friendly but not over the top. Anyway he got pulled in and basically told they were letting him go. I’m so annoyed as at this age surely they are still young and impressionable that should be taken into consideration.
Upset - 17-Jul-22 @ 10:33 PM
So my son was an apprentice for just over a month. In his first week he told me they were very relaxed in meetings and swearing a lot, I thought this very unprofessional in front of a young apprentice but my son obviously got the idea that people were laid back and because others were swearing he accidentally swore himself one day and got pulled into HR and reprimanded. He put this behind him and just tried to get his head down and do his work. Just recently on a work night out he was being friendly chatting to other members of staff to get to know them better and put his arm around one of his female colleagues for a photo. Fast forward a week and another staff member out that evening has put in a formal complaint about his conduct on the night out and said he was acting inappropriately which he says he was a but drunk friendly but not over the top. Anyway he got pulled in and basically told they were letting him go. I’m so annoyed as at this age surely they are still young and impressionable that should be taken into consideration.
Upset - 17-Jul-22 @ 10:05 PM
Hi my daughter started a apprenticeship in a office. She was there for 5 weeks when she caught a bug the same time others had covid. She went back to early as she was worried about her job. She vomited and she they sent her home. She was back after 4 days. Now 4 months working there with nothing but good words about her she became ill one Friday the next day she received a letter terminating her role with no explanation. She done a covid test that same day and it came back positive. She followed government rules and didn't put others at risk. Also the head in office said to her obviously must have problems at home.Disgusting. To make those points. Can anything be done about this please help
Dylan - 13-Nov-21 @ 8:57 PM
Hi, my 18 year old grandson was sacked by his firm today. He has been employed with them for the past five months as an apprentice welder Fabricator through his college, Skills Group Plymouth. Three weeks ago I received a call from his collegementor who told me after talking to the boss of the company that he was doing really well, that they liked him and that he was a hard worker. They also told her that they were pleased they had taken him on. However, today he was told by that very same boss that he didn’t work hard enough and that he didn’t have enough energy for the job and that he was letting him go. The lad is completely distraught, he doesn’t know why this has happened. Apparently he has received no warnings, no guidance and nothing from his college to substantiate this dismissal. He thought that he was getting on fine and so did we, his family. Is this legal, can the employer just do this? Where does my grandson stand with this please?
Grizz - 23-Aug-21 @ 6:56 PM
Hi, My 19 year old son is right at the end of his apprenticeship in mechanical engineering. He gets paid through an apprenticeship agency, not his work. He can do the job fine, but over the last year and a half his mental health has suffered. He was put on medication last august and a couple of weeks off work, but it didn’t help, it just made him worse. The doctor has only just changed his medication to something else, and because he had to ween himself off the other pills before going onto the news ones, he had a breakdown and didn’t turn into work, which was also the day before a family funeral too. His work have been supportive, but the woman from the apprenticeship agency isn’t and until we have a meeting this week (he is not at work). Can she sack him?
Nicki - 6-Jun-21 @ 1:20 PM
So my son was on a apprenticeship they have stated he has done something against company guidelines, he posted on Facebook if anyone had any jobs fixing cars outside of work, although they didnt give him the guidelines although they have stated he is at the end of his trial and they don't want to keep him I feel they have done this in the wrong way, I'm all for if they had told him he had done something wrong in his work but he hasn't I feel they have used him for 3 months cheap labour then got rid, anyone got any advise? Thank you
Gems - 22-Feb-21 @ 3:56 PM
My son started an apprenticeship as an electrician in September he knew the hours would be long and some travelling but in the last couple of months he has been working in London leaving at 5:30am and getting home some nights after 7 as it’s 2 hours away. This week he was asked by a colleague to stay away mon - fri, working 7:30/8am - 6:30pm as I am writing this he is still not home 7:45pm at 6:00pm he was still at work as they were asked to go to another job elsewhere today after leaving London. He even had to stay up there the previous week which is his college day which is currently online. He had to do his college session and then work when this is finished How do you suggest we approach this as he is 18 and I want to help him resolve this without embarrassing him. Any advice would be appreciated
Libra77 - 29-Jan-21 @ 7:35 PM
Hi I was wondering if you could help me what can I do I was starting my apprenticeship in October as a trainee dental nurse and I was doing really good in my work everything was fine but after 2 month one of the dentist complained that I am working slowly and not picking things quickly and asking same things twice as a trainee I feel that I have to always make sure and ask it is right or wrong how is it fair they decided not keeping me in training anymore because I am working slowly? Please help me I am really stressed what should I do?
Vujju - 31-Dec-20 @ 12:30 AM
Hello, my daughter is a child care apprentice. Today she was suspended for supposedly treating a child roughly (which she is adamant she did not). The playschool are now investigating her but the manager cried when she suspended my daughter. My daughter has been given no advice just asked to leave until further notice. I'm concerned they are looking for anything to pin on her.
Dgfarri - 17-Dec-20 @ 8:55 PM
My daughter as a working interview for apprentice childcare, she's due to go this week, but we are weighing up the pros an the cons, she feels she will benefit more learning wise in the work place rather than college itself,but she's worried as am I, that if she gets offered the apprentice that she's not going to do well an they get rid of her an then its the ball ache of trying to get her back into college to achieve her dreams any help an advice please
Linzi - 9-Nov-20 @ 4:26 PM
My boyfriend's apprenticeship, haven't given him time to complete the apprenticeship qualification instead made him work like the other engineers on less pay. His mangers got him to relocate so he could work full time and now is apprenticeship adviser as basically said there is no way he can complete it in time. He can't do it out of hours, it requires special machinery. Will the company sack him? Cancel the apprenticeship? He is three years in what does he do?
A - 18-Jul-20 @ 12:33 AM
My Son has been told by his doctor not to go to work due to a health issue which he is having scans, blood tests, urine givin to pathology everyday but he isn't in any pain which my Son hates cause he wants to go to work,he walked a hill with his partner where alot of others do this for exercise a person whom knew my Son told his boss now his boss has told him someone has told me you were walking the hill my Son didn't deny this his boss said lm paying you to be home cause he is paid sick leave, now he has a meeting in the morning which we think he may be laying him off he is a 1st yr diesel mechanic my questions are, can he lay him of over this, and does he need to give written warnings. Thankyou
Kylie - 15-May-20 @ 11:29 AM
Hi there, I was wondering if anyone is able to advise me of the following and how I should proceed. I have recently been laid off work as an apprentice 2 days after being informed that I will be a furloughed worker like everyone else in the business. I was informed via a very short phone call that my employer needs to streamline the business and therefore I have ultimately been sacked, this has left me at a huge financial disadvantage at the age of 18 again having to rely on my parents after 18 months of work is humiliating to say the least, especially when I could have been placed on furlough at no cost to my employer. I have searched the internet for an answer however I cannot find a concrete enough answer. Is anyone available to help at all? Anything is appreciated. Many thanks
Lsmith - 8-May-20 @ 1:02 PM
Hi my daughter has been sacked from her apprenticeship.She was original told she could go onto the 80% pay though due to corona.They then rung her to say whilst she has been home the tidied her desk and found something that hadn't been done so they were sacking her.Surely the point of an apprenticeship is to teach them to do things properly. After 3 months if her work wasnt upto scratch she should of had support.I feel that it is just an excuse due to what is going on (I understand that ehats happening is more important) but she is now left devastated.
Catbar - 27-Mar-20 @ 6:15 AM
My boyfriend at level 4 of his electrical apprenticeship 5 months away from qualifying was sacked at the start of the year the day we got back from our holiday over xmas. He wasn't happy in the job as this boss was a huge bully but that was besides the point he put that all to one side knowing that he needed to get qualified so he could just get out of that awful company (but this wasn't the plan!) he knew his boss had some sort of vendetta been sabotaging him for a while as he was putting him on jobs that wouldn't meet his portfolio criteria and putting him with non qualified electricians! so out in out running a completely illegal and unprofessional company. He had tried to look for a new job where he could continue the qualification buthe hadn't had any luck so had decided to stay put and just try and get qualified asap so he could leave. We went away over xmas for 3 weeks then on the day we got back he got a phone call from his boss saying 'there was no work' and unfortunately he was going to have to let him go ?!despite he has just taken his younger son on 3 months earlier as a level 1 apprentice and he kept his job. he was given absolutely no notice whatsoever , no warning nothing and now that's everything just gone all his hard work all his exams gone? Surely something can be done about this ? he feels like his future has literally just crumbled before his eyes! His college the training provider said that if he couldn't find another company in 30 days then his apprenticeship would have to be terminated so now that's it . 3 years work just gone like that. Does he have any rights what can he do??
josh21 - 10-Mar-20 @ 1:18 PM
Hello I have just been dismissed for unauthorised absence from college however I have proof that the days I missed we’re authorised. They also refused to sort out my expenses and this is a big deal to me as I am only 18 and had to drive 128 miles a day to get there and back but nothing was ever sorted can anyone help me
Jay - 20-Dec-19 @ 1:02 PM
I was placed in an apprenticeship program at the age of 52. I recently found that I had completed my third year 2 and a half months earlier but was never informed. I became ill then my employer took a week off so we have not had any contact for three weeks. I found out from the labor board that my employer requested an extension and recieved one because they said I hadn't completed my required hours. I keep all my stubs a calculated that I had in fact worked well over the required hours. This past year I have been treated with a great amount of disrespect from existing and incoming employees due mainly to constantly being pulled off of jobs in the field to clean buckets and used hand tools in the shop. On several occasions my work was intentionally sabotaged in the field however I never once went to the owners about it but keeping all incidents clearly in mind when I was ever asked . I never was.Due to the these and other issues I am led to believe that my employers Habe no intentions of fulfilling the promises of a significant wage increase but I feel they maybe attempting to somehow keep me from recieving my certificate . I have two questions . First can an employer give me two separate job titles without me being informed in order to minimize my apprenticeship hours? Second where and who can I trust to be my advocate when this all comes to pass?
Redstag - 27-Oct-19 @ 3:05 PM
I was placed in an apprenticeship program at the age of 52. I recently found that I had completed my third year 2 and a half months earlier but was never informed. I became ill then my employer took a week off so we have not had any contact for three weeks. I found out from the labor board that my employer requested an extension and recieved one because they said I hadn't completed my required hours. I keep all my stubs a calculated that I had in fact worked well over the required hours. This past year I have been treated with a great amount of disrespect from existing and incoming employees due mainly to constantly being pulled off of jobs in the field to clean buckets and used hand tools in the shop. On several occasions my work was intentionally sabotaged in the field however I never once went to the owners about it but keeping all incidents clearly in mind when I was ever asked . I never was.Due to the these and other issues I am led to believe that my employers Habe no intentions of fulfilling the promises of a significant wage increase but I feel they maybe attempting to somehow keep me from recieving my certificate . I have two questions . First can an employer give me two separate job titles without me being informed in order to minimize my apprenticeship hours? Second where and who can I trust to be my advocate when this all comes to pass?
Tbird - 27-Oct-19 @ 3:03 PM
I was placed in an apprenticeship program at the age of 52. I recently found that I had completed my third year 2 and a half months earlier but was never informed. I became ill then my employer took a week off so we have not had any contact for three weeks. I found out from the labor board that my employer requested an extension and recieved one because they said I hadn't completed my required hours. I keep all my stubs a calculated that I had in fact worked well over the required hours. This past year I have been treated with a great amount of disrespect from existing and incoming employees due mainly to constantly being pulled off of jobs in the field to clean buckets and used hand tools in the shop. On several occasions my work was intentionally sabotaged in the field however I never once went to the owners about it but keeping all incidents clearly in mind when I was ever asked . I never was.Due to the these and other issues I am led to believe that my employers Habe no intentions of fulfilling the promises of a significant wage increase but I feel they maybe attempting to somehow keep me from recieving my certificate . I have two questions . First can an employer give me two separate job titles without me being informed in order to minimize my apprenticeship hours? Second where and who can I trust to be my advocate when this all comes to pass?
Tbird - 27-Oct-19 @ 2:42 PM
I was placed in an apprenticeship program at the age of 52. I recently found that I had completed my third year 2 and a half months earlier but was never informed. I became ill then my employer took a week off so we have not had any contact for three weeks. I found out from the labor board that my employer requested an extension and recieved one because they said I hadn't completed my required hours. I keep all my stubs a calculated that I had in fact worked well over the required hours. This past year I have been treated with a great amount of disrespect from existing and incoming employees due mainly to constantly being pulled off of jobs in the field to clean buckets and used hand tools in the shop. On several occasions my work was intentionally sabotaged in the field however I never once went to the owners about it but keeping all incidents clearly in mind when I was ever asked . I never was.Due to the these and other issues I am led to believe that my employers Habe no intentions of fulfilling the promises of a significant wage increase but I feel they maybe attempting to somehow keep me from recieving my certificate . I have two questions . First can an employer give me two separate job titles without me being informed in order to minimize my apprenticeship hours? Second where and who can I trust to be my advocate when this all comes to pass?
Redstag - 27-Oct-19 @ 2:40 PM
I was placed in an apprenticeship program at the age of 52. I recently found that I had completed my third year 2 and a half months earlier but was never informed. I became ill then my employer took a week off so we have not had any contact for three weeks. I found out from the labor board that my employer requested an extension and recieved one because they said I hadn't completed my required hours. I keep all my stubs a calculated that I had in fact worked well over the required hours. This past year I have been treated with a great amount of disrespect from existing and incoming employees due mainly to constantly being pulled off of jobs in the field to clean buckets and used hand tools in the shop. On several occasions my work was intentionally sabotaged in the field however I never once went to the owners about it but keeping all incidents clearly in mind when I was ever asked . I never was.Due to the these and other issues I am led to believe that my employers Habe no intentions of fulfilling the promises of a significant wage increase but I feel they maybe attempting to somehow keep me from recieving my certificate . I have two questions . First can an employer give me two separate job titles without me being informed in order to minimize my apprenticeship hours? Second where and who can I trust to be my advocate when this all comes to pass?
Red stag - 27-Oct-19 @ 1:05 PM
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