Jen, a manager at We Love Books! makes a verbal promise regarding job security to a lower-level employee. Subsequently, the lower-level employee is terminated, using the employment-at-will doctrine.
True or False: We Love Books! can legally terminate the employee using the employment-at-will doctrine.
A. True
B. False
True or False: We Love Books! can legally terminate the employee using the employment-at-will doctrine.
A. True
B. False
Answer: B – False. Due to the implied contract exception, the employee cannot be terminated.
Explanation: When an employer gives a verbal promise regarding an employee’s job security, it may create an implied contract that would provide an employee with just cause protection. These kinds of oral or written representations, promises, or statements create an enforceable contract right.
