When an employee is terminated, it can be a difficult and confusing time for them. There are many things to consider, such as the employee’s rights and the termination process itself.
Here are 5 things you need to know about termination law.
Employees May Claim Wrongful Termination
Employees may claim wrongful termination if they believe they’ve been fired unfairly. To avoid such claims, it’s important to understand the grounds on which they can be fired.
While at-will employment means that employees can be terminated for any reason, there are some exceptions.
Employees may not be fired for discriminatory reasons, such as their sex, race, color, national origin, religion, pregnancy, childbirth and/or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. They also may not be fired in retaliation for filing a complaint or participating in an investigation.
Employees who are terminated for one of these prohibited reasons may file a wrongful termination claim.
Employers Should Have a Written Policy in Place Regarding Termination Procedures
When it comes to termination law, employers should have a written policy in place regarding termination procedures. This will help ensure that employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to being terminated from their job.
Employees Who are Terminated May be Entitled to Severance Pay
Employees may be entitled to severance pay when they are terminated from their job. Severance pay is a type of financial compensation that is paid to an employee who has been let go from their job.
This type of compensation can help the employee cover their expenses and transition into a new job.
In order to receive severance pay, the employee must have a contract with their employer that states that they are entitled to this type of compensation upon termination.
Employees Who are Terminated May be Able to File for Unemployment Benefits
In general, employees who are terminated for cause (such as poor performance or misconduct) are not eligible for unemployment benefits. However, employees who are laid off or fired without cause may be eligible for benefits.
Both Employer and Employee Should Consult, and Attorney
Employers should consult with an attorney to ensure that you comply with state and federal laws. Even if you have an “at will” employment relationship, there are still some circumstances in which it would be illegal to terminate an employee.
Employees should also consult with an attorney. Even if you are an “at will” employee, you may still have some legal protections against being terminated unfairly.
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