Can an employer fire an employee who gives their 2 weeks’ notice?

Yes, an employer can terminate an employee after they give their two weeks’ notice. In most employment situations, both the employer and the employee have the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, as long as it is done in accordance with applicable labor laws and the terms of any employment contract or agreement.

When an employee provides a two weeks’ notice, it is considered a professional courtesy to give the employer time to find a replacement and ensure a smooth transition. However, the employer is not obligated to keep the employee for the entire notice period, and they may choose to terminate the employee’s employment immediately upon receiving the notice.

It is essential for both employers and employees to be aware of any contractual obligations, local labor laws, and company policies regarding notice periods and termination procedures to ensure compliance and a fair treatment of all parties involved. Additionally, employers should handle terminations respectfully and professionally to maintain a positive working relationship with departing employees.

More importantly, any termination can trigger a possible employee lawsuit or affect the employee’s eligibility status to collect unemployment benefits.  Because both of these can be costly to any employer, it is critical to check with UAP before making these decisions.  UAP’s in-house legal staff can guide you through this process.