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At-will employment in Idaho: what you need to know

On Behalf of | Feb 21, 2023 | Employment Law

At-will employment is a concept that is important to understand for both employers and employees in Idaho. Under this employment model, an employer or employee can terminate employment at any time and for any reason if it is not discriminatory or violates the law.

What is at-will employment?

At-will employment is a legal doctrine applicable in most states in the United States, including Idaho. It refers to the relationship between an employer and employee in which either party can end the employment if it is not discriminatory or violates the law. This means that an employer can terminate an employee for poor performance, and an employee can quit without notice.

Is Idaho an At-Will Employment State?

Yes, Idaho is an at-will employment state, which means that according to employment law, an employer can fire an employee at any time and for any reason that is not discriminatory or in violation of the law. However, there are exceptions to at-will employment, such as when a contract or agreement is in place that limits the employer’s ability to terminate the employment relationship.

Exceptions to at-will employment in Idaho

While at-will employment is the default in Idaho, certain exceptions limit the employer’s ability to terminate an employee. One exception is when a contract is in place that limits the employer’s ability to end the employment relationship. In such cases, the employer must have a valid reason to terminate the employee.

Another exception to at-will employment is when an employee is terminated for a discriminatory reason or violates the law. For example, an employer cannot terminate an employee based on race, gender, religion or disability. Employees believing their termination was wrongful can complain to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Idaho Human Rights Commission.

At-Will Employment in Idaho

Understanding at-will employment is crucial for both employers and employees in Idaho. Employers must understand their rights and limitations when terminating employees, while employees must understand their rights and protections under the law. Both parties can protect themselves and avoid legal disputes by understanding at-will employment.