Legal Question in Employment Law in Utah

Verbal Promises prior to termination

I was recently terminated. The reason given was the fact I was not following the employee handbook as far as field standards are concerned. Prior to termination, the company informed all employees of a professional development fund available to those of us who stayed longer than 6 months. I had been with the company for one year at this point. I asked one of the field directors if the professional development fund was going to be retroactive to the date of hire. He said it was, therefore I was eligible for $600 in professional development funds. He told me to submit a proposal for a ''Wilderness Therapy'' conference I wanted to attend. Several days later I was terminated for the reason listed above. Do I have any right to claim the $600 promised to me prior to my termination? Thank you for your help.


Asked on 2/05/03, 1:46 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: Verbal Promises prior to termination

In Utah you can be terminated for any reason - or no reason. If an employer wants to terminate you "for cause" he must prove that you violated some important policy. Some violations justify immediate termination, such as dishonesty or theft. Other violations are less severe and should be accompanied with a warning and time to show a change in behavior. What you described appears to be a minor violation. Since there was no chance for you to change your behavior, and since you are entitled to a chance, the termination is "without cause" or without justification. Your remedy is to claim unemployment compensation.

As far as reimbursement, you are entitled to the money you were promised. Claim it from him, and again on your unemployment compensation. If you do not get satisfaction, file a small claims court action

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Answered on 2/05/03, 10:40 pm


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