I was dismissed from my job for 'stealing a can of soft drink' as I would grab a drink and pay for it later. On one occasion I forgot to pay for the item and was terminated on the spot. After working with the company for 5 years it was an honset mistake and I as they had seen I had paid for them previously. Is there anything I can do ? Do they need to give me notice? And also is it confidentaly the reason for my dismissal?

Unfortunately taking something, even if you plan to pay for it later, without permission is gross misconduct.
They're well within their rights to sack you on the spot.
In fact, your boss could have been sacked if it was found out he knew about it but didn't sack you.

do they need to give me notice? and also is it confidentaly the reason for my dismissal?Hello b:

I have the feeling that they fired you for MORE than stealing a can of soda... IF they valued your contribution, they would have given you as MUCH soda as you could drink. What would it cost them? A 12 pack of Coke costs $2.50 at Walmart. No, they don't need to give you notice.. No, it's NOT confidential.

excon