Well, YES. An employee can be dismissed from his employment even after officially submitting a resignation letter. The reason behind this is the employees who haven’t signed the employment contract come under the category of ‘employed at will’. The company can fire these employees at any time as they’re working at will. However, this is not the case with contract-based employment.

Someone having the choice to kick you out doesn’t necessarily mean they will. Nonetheless, it’s always better to be prepared for the worst. Here are some ways in which you can stay prepared for:

• Check out the company’s policies:

You may check out your company’s policies about providing notice. This is generally mentioned in every employee’s handbook. Companies do have this policy of honoring notices under which they allow their employees to complete their last days of work, after dropping a resignation. This is to protect their reputation in the market. The new joiners would never put their faith in such a brand that ill-treats their leaving employees.

• Don’t keep all your resources in one place:

Yes please, have a backup for your expenses. Sometimes, even when you’re not sacked then too, the company asks you to stop working after submitting the notice and that might be because they don’t want to pay for it. Thus, not just for this circumstance, but also considering that you could be dismissed at any time you must always have some savings for a time like this. You may have no employment, and you legit won’t know ‘till when’. In any circumstances have your backup plan at your fingertips.

• Be ready to pack up:

As soon as you give your employee resignation, be ready to leave immediately. In a way that’s the worst that can happen! Well, usually you do have some time to go back to your desk, remove your data & pack up. However, things can be heated up anytime so you may not necessarily have the time to do so. Remove any email you’ve logged in there, beforehand, clear any browser history, saved passwords, etc. Save any information that might help you showcase your experience in your CV. Be in touch with your co-employee in case your access would immediately cut off.

Now, if you think you were protected, but they somehow put you in this situation and did you wrong, here are a few things you can do:

• Talk to your HR:

Try interacting with your HR about your employee termination. Try to figure out the reason for your dismissal. There might be something else that couldn’t get your attention and thus caused you trouble. Knowing it will also help you in long term, to improve it in your next employment.

• Communicate with your union representative:

You can also get in touch with your union representative if you’re a member of it. This might get you more information about what you could do next. 

• Consult with a lawyer:

Last but not least, try a more reliable and completely legal way to get yourself justice, if you’re sure about them doing wrong to you. A lawyer can make you understand things in a better way and let you know what the best step can be.

Summing it up, be aware of your company’s past and present conditions from the beginning. Do a proper investigation of the terms, read the agreement carefully and if possible, take feedback from ex-employees. Know about your rights as an employee, and be responsible for your rights. Make and keep a good relationship with your employers.

Hope this answer helps!