The dismissal notified to the old address is valid if the employee does not communicate the new one (Newsletter Norme & Tributi n. 182 Camera di Commercio Italo-Germanica – Vittorio De Luca, Roberta Padula)

The Supreme Court, by its decision no. 28171 of 31 October 2024, confirmed the validity of a dismissal notified to the employee’s previous address if the employee did not promptly notify the employer of his change of residence or domicile.  

The employee, challenging the dismissal, challenged the validity of the notification made to his original address, arguing that, because of his transfer, that notification should be considered invalid.

The Court, rejecting the appeal, ruled that “the dismissal sent to the known address is fully effective, if done within the prescribed time limits”, as it is the worker’s responsibility to notify any change of residence or domicile in writing, as stipulated by the NCBAs and by the principle of good faith that governs the employment relationship. In particular, the Supreme Court referred to Article 1335 of the Civil Code, which states that a communication is deemed to be known at the time it is sent to the known address, and clarified that the employee’s failure to communicate the change of residence does not affect the validity of the notification. This principle was also extended to the letter of disciplinary notice, which is therefore to be considered fully effective once it reaches the employee’s original address.