Document background
The Notice of Layoff (Kündigung) is a crucial document in Austrian employment law used to formally terminate employment relationships. It must be drafted in accordance with Austrian labor regulations, which provide strong employee protections and specific procedural requirements. The document is used when an employer wishes to terminate an employment relationship through ordinary termination (as opposed to immediate dismissal for cause). The notice must respect statutory notice periods, which in Austria vary depending on the employee's length of service and whether they are classified as white-collar or blue-collar workers. Special consideration must be given to protected groups (such as works council members, pregnant employees, or employees with disabilities), and in many cases, consultation with the works council is required before issuing the notice. The document serves as official documentation of the termination and typically includes information about the notice period, final working day, and arrangements for outstanding entitlements.
