What happens if I don't turn up to work?
Going 'Absent Without Leave' is a serious breach of contract. However, your employer has a duty to try and contact you to check you are safe before they can fire you.
1 The Typical Timeline
If you take no action, this is the standard statutory process. Timescales are approximate but typical for 2026.
Duty of Care Check
If you don't call in, they must try to contact you (phone/email) to ensure you haven't had an accident. They cannot fire you on Day 1.
AWOL Letters
They will send formal letters asking for an explanation. If you ignore these, it strengthens their case for 'Gross Misconduct' (Insubordination).
Disciplinary Hearing
They will invite you to a hearing. If you don't turn up, they will hold it without you and likely dismiss you.
Pay Deductions
You will likely be docked pay for every hour missed. This is a legal deduction as you did not perform the work.
2 Free Calculators & Checks
How much will this cost you? Calculate your lost wages.
AWOL Lost Pay Calculator
Unauthorised absence is unpaid. See exactly what you are losing.
Will you get fired if you go back? Check your likely punishment.
Will I get fired?
Predict the outcome of your disciplinary hearing.
Is it 'Job Abandonment'?
There is no fixed legal time for 'Job Abandonment' in the UK. However, if you ignore all contact for 1-2 weeks, most employers will treat it as 'Self-Dismissal' or Gross Misconduct resignation.
Summary of Options
Call In Sick
If the reason you aren't going in is stress/anxiety, report it as SICKNESS immediately. This changes it from AWOL (Misconduct) to Capability (Health).
Resign via Email
If you never want to go back, send a resignation email. It allows everyone to move on and avoids a 'Dismissed' status on your record.
Respond to Contact
Even if you are quitting, answer their call. Ghosting them makes them angry and more likely to give a bad reference.
Common Questions
Can they sue me?
Technically yes, for the extra cost of replacing you (agency fees). In reality, this is extremely rare for normal jobs.
Do I get paid?
No. You have no right to pay for unauthorized absence. If you are sick, you might get SSP (Statutory Sick Pay) if you follow the notification rules.
Can they withhold holiday pay?
No. Even if you are fired for AWOL, they MUST pay you for any holiday days you accrued but didn't take.
Official Sources & References
Related Situations
Other guides accurately explaining what happens next in work & employment .
What happens if I'm made redundant?
Being made redundant is a legal process with strict rules about your payout and notice. You are likely entitled to statutory redundancy pay and key protections.
What happens if I quit my job without notice?
Leaving without notice (breach of contract) allows your employer to deduct extra costs from your final pay. However, they cannot force you to work, and bad references are less common than you think.
What happens if I fail probation at work?
Failing probation usually leads to dismissal. Because you have served less than 2 years, you generally cannot claim 'Unfair Dismissal', but you ARE entitled to notice pay and accrued holiday.