Abandonment Process

Abandonment Process


Applies to: All TWL team


What is Abandonment?


Abandonment is a situation where a team member does not turn up for work without notification or just cause. Within TWL this process is used when a full time team member fails to appear for work, for three consecutive work periods (two for a part time team member). This process helps to identify whether they have simply ‘walked off the job’ or some external factor has stopped them being able to come to work, and then to resolve the situation.

Why is it important to follow the correct process?


By law and in our business, there are processes that need to be followed when a team member’s job may be at risk.
When a team member is absent from work unexpectedly this places pressure on other team members and the business and it is important to get it resolved as soon as possible.

1.      Team member misses three consecutive work periods, without contact: this process applies when the Team Member:

  • Is absent from 3 consecutive shifts of work
  • Makes no contact with the business

Has no form of permission to be absent

2.      IEA Clause

If you are absent from work for three consecutive days without the consent of, or notification to us, or without just cause, you shall be deemed to have terminated your employment. 

3.      Try to contact Team Member personally, do not wait until the three days are up before trying to make contact. Phone the team member. Try to get in touch with their emergency contact. Make diary notes of all contact attempts and times/dates.

4.      Manage resignation, discipline, leave or return to work. Typical actions, depending on the Team Member’s response (if any), are:

  1. No response to calls - continue this process.
  2. Provides reasonable explanation - return to work. Use the Welcome Back process.
  3. Admits failure to inform of absence with no just cause– disciplinary action where appropriate.
  4. Confirms no longer wants to work - confirm resignation.
  5. Unable to work - review health situation and leave needs.

5.      Try to contact Team Member, in writing, if there is no response or answer to phone calls then complete the first letter (template attached) and courier it to their home address. Keep records of the courier details.

6.      If there is still no response or contact from the team member, then send them a letter terminating the employment (template attached). Courier this to their home and keep details of the courier dates and times.

7.      Follow the process for termination, by putting through a 'cessation' in MyPay, so that a final pay can be arranged by Payroll.

    • Related Articles

    • The Warehouse - Collective Employment Agreement 2017

      *Please be advised that the wage rates have changed since this document was created. To view the latest wage rates, please click on the following link:  https://twl.support.twg.co.nz/portal/kb/articles/twl-iea-2017 THE WAREHOUSE LTD AND FIRST UNION ...

    • The Warehouse Way - A Team Member's Handbook (Should you leave us)

      Applies to: all TWL team Should you leave us Your employment agreement sets out details of notice periods and the process of leaving us, including any restraint of trade and non-solicitation that apply to you. You should notify us in writing of your ...

    • The Warehouse Way - A Team Member's Handbook

      Applies to: all TWL team A Team Member’s Handbook 2017/2018 edition The Warehouse will make a difference to people's lives by making the desirable affordable and supporting New Zealand's communities and the environment By putting the customer first, ...

    • The Warehouse Way - A Team Member's Handbook ( 3-step disciplinary procedure)

      Applies to: all TWL 3-step disciplinary procedure We have a fair and lawful disciplinary procedure which is used to investigate all allegations of misconduct and poor performance. You will receive at least 24 hours’ written notice of a disciplinary ...

    • The Warehouse Way - A Team Member's Handbook (Managing your career and employment)

      Applies to: all TWL team Managing your career and employment Your employment agreement Everyone has an employment agreement which sets out the terms of employment between you and The Warehouse at the time of your recruitment or any subsequent changes ...