Can I fire employees for reasons other than poor performance in Rhode Island? What are the requirements?

Can I fire employees for reasons other than poor performance in Rhode Island? What are the requirements?

Rhode Island is an at-will employment state, which means that employers can terminate employees for any reason, as long as it is not discriminatory or retaliatory. However, there are certain requirements that employers must follow when terminating employees.

Notice Requirements

Rhode Island does not have any specific notice requirements for terminating employees. However, if an employer has a policy or practice of providing notice to employees prior to termination, it must follow that policy or practice.

Final Paycheck

Employers in Rhode Island must pay employees their final paycheck on or before the next regular payday. If an employee is terminated, the employer must pay the employee all wages due at the time of termination, including any accrued but unused vacation time or other benefits.

Unemployment Benefits

If an employee is terminated, they may be eligible for unemployment benefits. To qualify for unemployment benefits, the employee must have been terminated through no fault of their own, such as a layoff or reduction in force.

Jurisdiction

Rhode Island

• Labor