Layoffs

Beware basing layoff on inconsistent ratings

05/31/2016

Here’s a reminder that it’s not always foolproof to base a reduction-in-force on rankings of employee performance.

Designing a Progressive Discipline Policy

03/07/2016

White Paper published by The HR Specialist ______________________ The most reliable way to protect your organization from wrongful termination charges is to establish and enforce a system of progressive discipline. Having such a structure in place, and making it clear to all supervisors that they are expected to abide by it, is your best defense […]

School boards have wide latitude to terminate teachers for financial reasons

07/29/2015

A Texas appellate court has upheld the discharge of a teacher for financial reasons. The case shows school districts have great discretion to determine which employees to cut and don’t have to be bogged down in a detailed examination.

How to challenge an unemployment claim

07/19/2015

Unemployment insurance benefits are designed to help employees who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Since employers pay into the fund that pays out unemployment benefits, it’s in your interest to contest benefits for undeserving former employees. Here’s how to go about doing so.

Be sure to document justification for RIF

04/20/2015

While you may not want to share the information with your employees as you prepare for a reduction in force, be sure to document the reasons. That’s especially true if the underlying reasons are monetary—that you simply can’t afford to employ as many people as you have in the past.

Target to cut 1,400 HQ jobs, employees email complaints

04/13/2015

Target, the country’s third largest retailer, has announced it will cut 1,400 jobs from its Twin Cities’ headquarters. Falling sales, losses from an unsuccessful expansion into Canada and last year’s massive data breach have been cited as reasons for the downsizing.

What notice must I give California employees upon termination?

01/26/2015

Q. As a California employer, what forms and notices am I required to provide to employees I discharge? Also, are the forms and notices due immediately upon termination?

Fire at Will Doctrine

01/01/2015

HR Law 101: Under the law in most states, if there’s no employment contract, workers are employed on an “at-will” basis. That means employers have the right to fire employees at any time for any reason or no reason, and, conversely, employees have the right to leave the organization at any time …

The requirements of California’s WARN Act

12/24/2014

What are the penalties for violating California WARN Act’s notice requirements? And are there any valid exceptions to them?

2015 layoffs could be lowest since 2003

12/17/2014

Planned layoffs are at a record low heading into 2015, according to a survey released Dec. 3 by the nonprofit total rewards association WorldatWork.