Glossary
Plain meanings for the legal terms you will meet, from Section 20 and conciliation to back wages and constructive dismissal.
What Unfair Dismissal MeansYou were let go and you are not sure your employer had a fair reason.What Constructive Dismissal MeansYou resigned because staying became impossible, and you want to know if that still counts.What Wrongful Dismissal MeansYou heard this phrase used and want to know if it is the same claim you have.What Just Cause And Excuse MeansYour employer says they had a good reason, and you want to know what that actually requires.What A Section Representation IsYou want to challenge your dismissal and keep hearing this filing mentioned.Who The Director General IsYou keep seeing this title on the forms and letters about your case.What JPPM IsThis short form keeps appearing in letters about your dismissal claim.What JTKSM IsSomeone told you to go here, but your situation is about being dismissed.What Conciliation MeansA meeting has been set to try to settle your dismissal claim.What The Industrial Court IsYour case did not settle and you keep hearing this name mentioned next.What An Award MeansYour case reached a hearing and you want to know what the decision is called.What Back Wages MeansYou want to know what pay you could recover for the time you were out of work.What This Compensation MeansGoing back to the same job may not be realistic and you want to know the alternative.What Reinstatement MeansGetting your old job back may be possible, and you want to know how realistic that is.Reinstatement Or CompensationYou want to know which outcome is more likely if your dismissal case succeeds.Who Counts As A WorkmanYou earn above the usual salary cutoff and wonder if that changes your rights.What A Domestic Inquiry IsYou were told a hearing will decide whether you keep your job.What A Show Cause Letter IsA letter has asked you to explain yourself before anything else happens.What It Means To Be Sacked OutrightYou were sacked on the spot with no warning and no notice.What Counts As MisconductYour employer used this word to explain why you were let go.What Poor Performance Dismissal MeansYou were told your work was not good enough and now your job is at risk.What A Performance Improvement Plan IsYou were placed on a formal plan and told your job depends on hitting its targets.What Probation Means For Your RightsYou are still on probation and worried that means you have no real protection.What Confirmation Of Employment MeansYou are not sure if your role was ever formally confirmed before you were dismissed.What Retrenchment MeansYour employer says your position no longer exists and you are not sure that is true.What Redundancy Actually MeansYou were told your role is redundant and you want to know if that claim is real.What LIFO Means In A LayoffYou want to know why some colleagues were kept while others were let go.What A VSS Offer MeansYou have been offered a package to leave and are not sure whether to accept.What An MSS Offer MeansYou keep seeing this term next to VSS and want to know the difference.What This Code Of Conduct CoversYou saw this guidance mentioned about how retrenchment is meant to be handled.What The Employment Act CoversYou want to know which basic rights this law actually gives you at work.What This Act Actually DoesYou keep seeing this law named as the reason you can challenge your dismissal.What The Second Schedule Sets OutYou saw this schedule referenced when someone explained how back wages are capped.What The EIS Actually ProvidesYou lost your job and heard there is a separate scheme that can help with income.What PERKESO Actually DoesYou keep seeing this name mentioned about support after losing a job.What SOCSO CoversYou want to know what this scheme covers compared with support after job loss.What Happens To Your EPFYou want to know what happens to your retirement savings after losing your job.What Your Notice Period MeansYou want to know if you were given the right amount of notice before losing your job.What Termination Benefits CoverYou want to know what your final payout should actually include.What A Fixed Term Contract MeansYour contract has an end date and you want to know what rights that leaves you.What Makes A Fixed Term GenuineYour contract keeps getting renewed and you wonder if that still counts as fixed term.What Being An Independent Contractor MeansYou were called a contractor but your work felt like an ordinary job.Why Employee Status MattersYou want to know whether the law actually treats you as an employee.What Natural Justice Means At WorkYou feel the process leading to your dismissal was not fair, even if the reason existed.Who Carries The Burden Of ProofYou are worried you need to prove your innocence before anyone will listen.What Victimisation Means At WorkYou believe you were targeted because of something you said or did, not your work.What Whistleblowing Means At WorkYou raised a concern about wrongdoing and now your job feels at risk.What Forced Resignation MeansYou resigned because you felt you had no other option left.What Duress Means When You ResignedYou felt cornered in the moment you agreed to resign.What An Ultimatum Means For Your CaseYou were told to resign or be fired and you are not sure what to do.What Affirming Your Contract MeansYou waited a while before resigning and worry that waiting hurt your case.What A Repudiatory Breach MeansSomething serious happened at work and you want to know if it was serious enough.What A Fundamental Breach MeansYour employer changed something you thought was a core part of your job.What Without Prejudice MeansA settlement conversation was labelled this way and you want to know what it means.What Garden Leave MeansYou were told to stay home during your notice period and you want to know your rights.What Being Suspended MeansYou were told to stay home while an allegation against you is looked into.What Final Pay Should IncludeYou want to check that your last payslip actually reflects everything you are owed.What Last Drawn Salary MeansThis figure keeps coming up whenever people explain how a claim is calculated.What A Backdated Resignation MeansThe date on your resignation paperwork does not match what actually happened.What Mutual Separation MeansYou were offered a way to leave that your employer called a mutual decision.How Workforce Policy Affects RetrenchmentYou wonder if a company workforce policy explains why you were selected.What Happens To Your Work PermitYou are a foreign worker and losing your job also puts your permit in question.What The Sabah Labour Ordinance CoversYou work in Sabah and want to know which law actually sets your basic rights.The Sarawak Labour Ordinance ExplainedYou work in Sarawak and wonder whether Peninsular employment rules apply to you.What Cause Papers MeansYou were told to file cause papers before your Industrial Court hearing.What A Statement Of Case IsYou need to set out your side of the story in writing before your hearing.What A Mention At Court MeansYou have a short court date coming up and are not sure what to expect.What Form F Is Used ForYou were told to use a specific form to file your dismissal claim.What A Witness Statement IsSomeone who saw what happened may need to put their account in writing.
Plain meanings for the legal terms you will meet, from Section 20 and conciliation to back wages and constructive dismissal.