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It was fair to sack an employee who travelled overseas without approval to take annual leave, despite some shortfalls in the employer's process, the Fair Work Commission has ruled.

"In this case, the valid reason for dismissal carries significant weight," Commissioner Sarah McKinnon said, particularly in light of the employee's poor attendance record.

The Crispy Bakehouse Co head baker claimed unfair dismissal after he was removed from the employer's roster in August 2025. The employer said this was because he'd failed to show up for work, but the employee said he was absent on approved leave.

He hadn't worked since Monday 23 June, which was the day before he travelled to Nepal, having been asked by family members there to assist with a property sale...