Fire (employment)

Firing is an employer’s decision to end a worker’s employment. It may result from misconduct, performance, restructuring, or other reasons, subject to applicable law and contract terms.

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Termination letter: A written notice stating that an employment relationship is ending and often giving its effective date and terms. It formally communicates a firing and can record the employer’s stated reason.
Unemployment benefits: Public payments that replace part of a worker’s lost income when eligibility rules are met. A fired worker’s eligibility can depend on the reason for separation and local rules.
Layoff: An employer-initiated job loss caused by reduced staffing needs rather than an individual worker’s performance or conduct. Unlike an individual firing, a layoff generally reflects the employer’s staffing needs.
Employee handbook: A document describing an employer’s workplace policies, procedures, and expectations. Its discipline and termination provisions may guide how a firing is handled.
Progressive discipline: A workplace policy that uses escalating corrective steps, such as warnings and suspension, before more severe discipline. Some employers use documented steps before deciding to fire a worker.
Severance package: Compensation and benefits an employer offers when employment ends, often under an agreement. Severance may soften the financial impact or require a release of claims.
Resignation: A worker’s voluntary decision to end their employment. A resignation is initiated by the worker, unlike a firing initiated by the employer.
Performance improvement plan: A formal plan setting performance goals, support, and a deadline for improvement. Employers may use one to address performance concerns before deciding on termination.
Employment at will: A legal doctrine allowing either party to end employment without cause, subject to statutory and contractual limits. Where it applies, it shapes whether an employer must establish a reason for firing.
Notice period: The interval between notice that employment will end and the effective termination date. Required or agreed notice can determine when a firing takes effect.