Firing Employees FAQ

Answers to some commonly asked questions about firing employees, from limits on when you can fire to severance packages.

Illegal Reasons for Firing Employees

There are certain reasons that you can never use to fire an employee.

Should I Fire an Employee?

How to decide whether it's time to let an employee go.

What to Say When You Fire an Employee

Termination meetings are difficult, but here's how employers can handle them fairly and legally.

Punishing Whistleblowers Can Lead to Trouble

It's never a good idea to punish whistleblowers for coming forward.

Firing Employees With Employment Contracts

Employment contracts can limit your ability to fire employees.

When Does an Employer Need an Employment Lawyer?

Sometimes it makes sense to hire an attorney to handle employment disputes.

How to Reduce Legal Risk When Firing an Employee

Employers can avoid expensive lawsuits by identifying risky terminations and knowing when to contact a lawyer.

Making Layoff Decisions

Before laying off workers, consider alternatives and set criteria for which employees to lay off.

How to Conduct a Layoff

What managers should do before, during, and after a layoff.

When an Employee Leaves

Essential steps to take after an employee quits or is fired.

Chart: Final Paychecks for Departing Employees

Learn your state's law on when you have to provide a departing employee with the final paycheck.

Should You Offer Severance Pay?

You may want to consider paying severance, even if it isn't legally required.

Giving References for Former Employees

Learn what to tell prospective employers about a former employee.

Unemployment Benefits: Contesting an Employee's Claim

Should an employer contest an employee's claim for unemployment?

When do I have to pay an employee who quits?

Can I wait for our usual payday?

How do I enforce a noncompete agreement?

I'm in a panic that she'll violate the agreement and give away our trade secrets. What should I do?

Is it illegal for my employer to lay off employees with the most seniority?

The utility has been struggling, and our managers told us they have been instructed to lay off six.