What term describes a significant violation of the employment contract by the employer?

The term that describes a significant violation of the employment contract by the employer is known as a serious breach of contract. This occurs when one party, in this case, the employer, fails to meet their obligations as outlined in the employment agreement. Such a breach is substantial enough that it undermines the entire agreement, allowing the employee to seek legal recourse or end the employment relationship without penalty.

In this context, terms like constructive dismissal refer to situations where an employer's actions create an environment that forces an employee to resign, which can stem from a serious breach but is not synonymous with the breach itself. Insubordination typically pertains to an employee's refusal to follow reasonable directives or orders from their employer and does not relate to a violation of the contract by the employer. Employee misconduct involves actions taken by the employee that violate company policy or the terms of their employment, which means it is the employee's behavior that is in question rather than the employer's compliance with the contract. Therefore, serious breach of contract is the most accurate term for a notable failure by the employer to adhere to the contractual obligations.