Imagine this: you leave work a minute early—just one minute—and you’re suddenly fired. Sounds absurd, right? But this actually happened in China. One employee was dismissed for leaving work one minute early, six times within a year.
The court, however, ruled in her favor.
Why?
- No prior warning
- No significant performance issues
- The termination lacked legal justification
She received compensation. But what about here in Nepal? Can you really get fired for leaving early—even if it’s just for a minute?
Let’s dive into the details of Nepal’s Labour Act, 2074 (2017) and see what the law says.
Office Hours and Timing in Nepal
According to Sections 28–33 of the Labour Act:
- Maximum working hours: 8 hours/day and 48 hours/week.
- Breaks: You’re entitled to a 30-minute break after 5 hours of work (this break is included in your working hours).
- Overtime: You can work an additional 4 hours a day, or 24 hours a week, but you’ll get paid 1.5 times your basic salary for overtime hours.
- Night shifts for women: Employers must provide transport for women working night shifts.
What About Leaving Early?
So, can you be fired for leaving work early? The answer depends on Section 131(1), which addresses minor violations like being late or leaving early without permission.
Here’s what the law says about leaving early:
First time?
A reprimand—either verbal or written—is usually enough.
Repeated Offenses?
If leaving early starts to cause disruption, an employer has the right to deduct wages (up to a day’s pay).
Multiple violations over 3 years?
If you repeatedly leave early, and it affects the workplace, it can be grounds for dismissal.
30+ days absent without leave?
Immediate termination is possible.
Key Takeaways:
Yes, you can get fired for consistently leaving work early or being late. However, due process must be followed.
This means that:
- There must be a clear pattern of violations.
- Proper warnings must be given.
- Evidence should support the violation.
- The employer must follow due process.
For Employers:
Firing an employee without proper warning or a clear pattern of violations is not just unfair—it’s also illegal. It can open the door to legal challenges, and a lawsuit could be on the horizon.
For Employees:
While it’s important to stick to your work schedule, fairness matters too. The law protects you from being fired for minor infractions without proper procedures or justification.
So, have you ever witnessed someone being fired for something trivial? Or maybe your office culture revolves around counting every minute? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your stories!
