If you are firing an employee, the contents of your termination letter are important. Your letter is a legal document. When done properly, it provides protection from employees trying to file an unlawful termination suit. What does a good sample employment termination letter look like? This article describes some parts of such a letter.

For any firing, you must write a professional and detailed termination letter. The letter must not only present the company in a good light, but it also removes any loopholes a former employee could take advantage of in court. That is why it is a good idea for you to use a sample employment termination letter. This template becomes your guide when writing all future letters.

Your termination letter needs to get to the point quickly and not give more information then necessary. In it, you should list facts and back up the reasons for termination. It will clearly show the employee the date when their employment ends. Other items you might include are noncompete clauses, severance pay and continued benefits. The employee should sign it. Then you must give one copy to the employee and keep another one for your records.

A Sample Employment Termination Letter

Here is a brief list of the items to include in your sample employment termination letter.

- Label your letter at the top with the word - Confidential.
- Include the date next.
- After the date, list the employee's name and address.
- Give the salutation.
- The opening paragraph should state the employee is being terminated and give the effective date.
- Next the letter should explain the reasons for termination.
- In the next section, you should provide facts or other important information to back up the reasons for firing the employee.
- In the next paragraph, you should explain and company policies and benefits that apply to the employee.
- The final paragraph should offer words of encourage and end the letter on a positive note.
- End the letter with a signature and note any copies and who they went to.

You can draft a sample employment termination letter to use as a guide for writing all future documents. You will have to tailor this sample for each individual case. But having a sample makes it easier for you later.

Terminating an employee is awkward. But having a sample letter makes it easier. It provides a clear and direct message about the reasons for termination. And it provides you and your company with important legal protections.

Terminate without fear of making mistakes. Our recommended procedure.