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An employer has failed to prove it didn't intend to dismiss a worker after she publicly responded to a "hurtful" email about absenteeism, and has been ordered to pay her maximum compensation.

The Aussie Kids early childhood educator claimed her dismissal in May this year was unfair, but the employer objected on two grounds, arguing it hadn't sacked her, and she hadn't served the six-month minimum employment period.

The Fair Work Commission heard the employee started working as a casual in August 2020, and in January this year she took unpaid parental leave, before returning to work in May.

About a week after the employee's return, the centre director sent an email titled 'Disappointing Friday' to all staff, expressing her displeasure at how many workers were absent that day and asking them to only take time off if they had a genuine reason...