Some employers are exploiting the vulnerability of young unsupported workers, sacking them in unfair circumstances, a new study by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has found.
Almost one in five young workers who lost their jobs was sacked for being sick, injured or for responding to family problems, the study discovered.
Lead QUT researcher Dr Paula McDonald from the Faculty of Business said many sick employees had taken only a single day off work before they were sacked and in one-fifth of sick leave cases had even provided a medical certificate.
The study investigated more than 1200 dismissal complaints made by 15 to 24-year-olds to the Young Workers Advisory Service.
The age group, which makes up one-fifth of the Australian labour force, is particularly vulnerable because they fill the majority of part-time and casual positions in the hospitality and retail industries.
"Several cases described serious medical problems that clearly restricted the employee's ability to attend work, such as a heart attack, wisdom teeth removal and cancer," Dr McDonald said.
Dr McDonald said that of the young workers who were sacked after being injured, 80 per cent had been injured at work.
"In one case, a male apprentice required eight weeks off work due to an injury he suffered on the job. The employer initially agreed to the time off then terminated the apprenticeship once the young man returned to work," she said.
Dr McDonald said the research also found: