What describes a dismissal that is justified only in limited circumstances, such as gross misconduct?

The term that describes a dismissal justified only in limited circumstances, such as gross misconduct, is summary dismissal. This type of dismissal occurs when an employer terminates an employee's contract without notice or pay in lieu, due to serious breaches of conduct that fundamentally violate the terms of the employment agreement. Examples of gross misconduct can include theft, violence, or severe insubordination.

In the context of employment law, summary dismissal is significant because it allows an employer to act swiftly in response to behaviors that threaten the safety or integrity of the workplace without the usual procedural requirements that accompany other types of dismissal. This contrasts with other types of dismissals, which often involve more extensive procedures or are based on broader criteria. For instance, justified dismissal may not have the same strict standard as summary dismissal, and wrongful dismissal refers to dismissals that violate terms of the contract or employment law, but do not necessarily involve gross misconduct. Redundant dismissal pertains to job elimination due to economic reasons or downsizing, which does not relate to the employee's behavior.