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FIRING EMPLOYEES
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Illegal Reasons for Firing Employees

Both state and federal law forbid you from using certain reasons to fire an employee. These include illegal discrimination, retaliation against an employee for complaining, or an employee's refusal to submit to a lie detector test. Most states also prohibit employers from firing an employee for reasons that most people would find morally or ethically wrong, such as refusing to commit an illegal act.

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Deciding to Fire

  1. Investigate.
  2. Check the files.
  3. Review your written policies.
  4. Consider what the worker has been told.
  5. Compare how you've treated others.
  6. Consider context.
  7. Look at options.
  8. Get a second opinion.
  9. Bring in a lawyer, if necessary.
  10. Document your decision.

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at will employment

The right of employers to fire employees for any reason, or for no reason at all. It also gives employees the legal right to quit their jobs at any time for any reason. Despite this legal doctine, employers may not fire employees in a way that discriminates, violates public policy or conflicts with written or implied promises they make concerning the length of employment or grounds for termination.

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Dealing With Problem Employees
Dealing With Problem Employees: A Legal Guide
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