An at-will termination is not a new term to talk about. It allows companies to end the employer-employee relationship without explaining any cause that leads to the termination to their employees. Although it is not essential to write a notice for an at-will termination, it is way more professional to write a termination without cause letter as an official written confirmation.
How Do You Explain Termination without Cause?
Termination without cause is equal to termination at-will in which employer can terminate the professional relationship with their employees without any reason and without notice. Most firings are with cause, so at-will termination cannot be equal with firing, although it seems like so.
What is the Difference between Termination with Cause and Without Cause?
When an employee is terminated at-will, it means that they are being let go without any cause. They didn’t do any workplace misconduct. In contrast with that, termination with cause is often preceded with a workplace misconduct done by the employee.
Are You Required to Provide a Termination Letter?
In many federal laws, a termination without cause letter isn’t crucial to follow an employee’s termination. However, in some states, it is considered as needed. As an employer, you should know the rule of terminating an employee according to at-will policy. However, even if the state where your company is located doesn’t require any at-will termination letter, it’s nicer to provide one.
How Do You Write a Short Termination Letter?
- Notify the receiver about when the termination date is effective.
- Inform that the termination is at-will.
- Inform about the benefits the employee gets post-termination.
- If applicable, let them know to return any company’s properties.
- Include HR representative’s contact if needed.
- Thank them for their years of service
- Make sure to make it error-free, and keep the professional tone in the letter.
- Keep it concise, no need to exceed one page.
Termination without Cause Letter Sample
Dear Samuel,
According to our previous meeting on December 2, your employment with PTA Pharmaceutical will be terminated, starting from December 21 2020. Your dismissal is in accordance with our at-will termination regulation, in which employer-employee relationship can be terminated without any notice and cause. This letter acts as an official written confirmation of everything discussed during our earlier meeting.
On December 21, there will be another meeting conducted; in which your monthly paycheck, as well as your severance pay will be given once you return the company’s properties lent within your service at PTA Pharmaceutical.
Regarding your severance pay, as stated in your contract, you deserve four weeks of severance pay per year of your service. According to that provision, you are entitled thirty-six weeks of severance. This will be paid on that meeting.
You will be informed about your eligibility under COBRA too during the meeting. You can ask questions and consult with our HR representatives about your landing in future jobs. Please feel free to take advantage of the company intranet to seek any open positions at other companies.
Thank you for years of excellent service in our company. We wish you all the best for your future endeavor.
Best regards,
Alex Johnson
Managing Director
PTA Pharmaceutical
That is how to write a termination without cause letter to an employee. It is important to note that writing this letter should be concise. No need to write wordy sentences, and always keep a professional tone while writing the whole message.
