Can an employer legally fire you after you have turned in a resignation letter?
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Can an employer legally fire you after you have turned in a resignation letter?
Asked on September 26, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Indiana
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
An employee can absolutely do this, unless you had an employment contract limiting the reasons or grounds for which you can be terminated. If you had such an agreement or contract, it's terms are enforceable, and even after handing in your resignation letter, you may only be fired in accord with the contract's terms. Otherwise, however, you are an employee at will; and as an employee at will, you may be fired at any time, for any reason--such as the moment after you hand in a resignation letter, because your employer is annoyed at you or doesn't want you around. The good news is, by being fired, you will eligible for unemployment compensation, if there is now a gap in your employment between the job you just left and whatever job you start next.
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