QUESTION
When I fire someone, do I have to give written notice?
ANSWER
Technically, under the Unemployment Insurance Code, you have to give a notice that includes the employee's social security number as well as a pamphlet called "For Your Benefit" to the employee.
Much of the employment law literature focuses on preventing wrongful termination suits, and that, of course is important. While they are more common than many people expect, they certainly don't happen every time. Almost every time, however, you'll have to go through the unemployment insurance process, and making mistakes there can lead to your account getting charged. It won't cost you as much as a wrongful term case, but it can add up. What's more, there's a minimal cost in complying with that regulation.
Sometimes it's the little things.
