Illinois is an at-will state. This means an employer can fire you without cause at any time as long as the cause is not unlawful. An unlawful cause includes age, race, pregnancy, gender discrimination, religion, and other unlawful causes. Although an employer has the right to terminate you, you can sue the employer for wrongful termination or seek unemployment. One way to remedy this is for your employer to offer you an Illinois separation agreement.
What are Illinois Separation Agreements?
Illinois separation agreements are legal documents that terminate an employee while resolving issues of termination for you. These agreements also protect your employer from you disclosing any of the company’s confidential information. For example, a separation agreement can limit what you can say about the company. The agreement may also include limits on talking to the company’s current and former clients. It can also prohibit you from starting your own company for a period of time if you plan to compete with the company. You also give up the right to sue your employer because you are losing your job.
The Benefit of Signing an Illinois Separation Agreement
You may think there is not a benefit for signing a separation agreement. However, there are a number of benefits. For instance, you receive money that can assist in the period between jobs. Your employer can give you the money in a lump sum or over a period of time. Typically, payments begin shortly after you sign the agreement.
In certain circumstances, you may be able to keep your vacation time and receive it in a payment. You should have an attorney negotiate this into the agreement. You may also have a right to employer-paid health insurance for a specific amount of time too.
Understanding More about Illinois Separation Agreements
If you are being terminated by your employer, contact an employment lawyer immediately for assistance. You may be able to sign a separation agreement that benefits you, even though you are losing your job. To understand more about separation agreements and benefits to you as an employee, contact an employment lawyer today.
