In the current economic climate, many workers have lost their jobs — and many more work in fear of facing a layoff. Employers gererally have the legal leeway to cut costs and jobs as they see fit, but there are some exceptions. For example, an employer may have to provide a certain amount of warning in advance of a layoff. And, employers may not use a layoff to conceal illegal employment practices, such as discrimination or breach of contract. These rules are explained in the articles in this section.
If you’ve been laid off, one of your primary concerns is probably how to collect unemployment to replace some of your lost income. Because this topic is so important to so many, we have a separate section devoted entirely to unemployment compensation.
Information on Layoffs
Laid Off Employees: What Compensation is Available?
Learn about severance, unemployment benefits, and other potential income replacements for laid-off workers.
Was Your Layoff Illegal?
Just because they called it a “layoff” doesn’t mean it was legal; here are some ways employers can get in trouble when conducting layoffs.
Other cost-cutting measures may help an employer save jobs, but they could also create legal problems.
Can you take funds out of your retirement accounts if you are laid off? Find out the rules here.
Questions & Answers
Resources on Layoffs
Your Rights in the Workplace
Learn about your rights when you lose your job in this essential Nolo guide.
State Labor Departments
Find links to each state’s labor department here.