At Will Termination Letter

A common way to end the employer-employee relationship is with a face-to-face meeting. A letter detailing the termination is given to the employee during the meeting or mailed to the employee’s home addressfollowing the meeting. Many employers choose ‘at will’ policies that do not require a reason for the employment termination decision.

Format and Content

The at will termination letter format differs from a letter written to an employee who is fired for cause. In the at will version, the content of the letter focuses on the effective date of the termination, the handling of the employee’s final paycheck, and an explanation of benefits and any severance provided. Begin the letter with a clear employment termination statement. Limit the body of the letter to relevant information avoid including any finger-pointing comments.

Sample

This at will termination letter sample is written to a member of the sales force of an organization. Since the employment termination is at will, no cause for the decision is mentioned. The letter has a formal tone and contains the information of interest to the employee. Expectations concerning the return of company property are clearly articulated.

Dear Mr. Ackerson,

This letter is to inform you that as of today, March 15, 2013, we are terminating your employment with West Communications. Your dismissal is at-will, which allows the Company to end the employer-employee relationship without notice and without reason. This letter serves as a confirmation of the termination meeting you attended this afternoon in my office.

According to our records, you have the following company property in your possession:a laptop computer, serial number 44C968; a v4 iPhone; a company issued Visa card;a company issued debit card for gasoline; 2 reams of company letterhead; 2 boxes of company business envelopes; an employee ID badge and proprietary customer database software. Please return these items, in good condition, within the next 5 business days. You may leave the items with the company receptionist. Any unreturned items will be considered stolen property and reported to the appropriate authorities.

Your final paycheck is enclosed with this letter. This paycheck includes all sales commissions earned and reported as of March 14, 2013. Any earned an unreported sales commissions will be paid to you when customer accounts are updated at the end of the month. You will be paid for all unused and accrued PTO within 2 business days. You may pick the check up at the reception desk or you may elect to have it mailed to your home. Please call me at (555)-555-5555 to let me know your preference.

Within one week, you will be mailed an information packet with details regarding severance pay, your eligibility under COBRA for insurance benefits, and the status and amounts of any other benefits or retirement plans. As of today, all of your passwords used to access online company and client accounts will be disabled. If you have any questions,you may call me at the number listed above or you may send me an email at [email] I wish you all the best going forward.

Regards,

Robin Newbury

Ms. Robin Newbury

Employee Supervisor

West Communications