What does "constructive dismissal" mean in employment law?

Constructive dismissal refers to a situation where an employee resigns due to an employer's behavior, which has made their working conditions intolerable. This often involves significant changes in job duties, responsibilities, or the working environment that fundamentally alter the essential terms of employment without the employee's consent.

When job duties are changed significantly, it can create a scenario where the employee feels they can no longer work under the new conditions, leading them to resign. Such a resignation could be treated as a termination by the employer due to the adverse changes in the employment terms, hence falling under the umbrella of constructive dismissal.

Significant changes could include a drastic reduction in responsibilities, a relocation to a less desirable position, or any substantial shift that contradicts the reasonable expectations set at the outset of employment. This makes it crucial for employers to be mindful of how alterations to job roles and responsibilities can impact employee retention and morale.