How much severance pay is a full-time employee legally entitled to?

There is no law that requires an employer to make a severance payment to an employee. However, most employers will offer a minimum of a week for every year worked. If there is an amount written down in a contract or a policy specified in the Employee Handbook, an employee may have the right to sue an employer who refuses to pay. However, the cost of hiring an attorney for a minimal amount of compensation could far outweigh the benefits.

Is an employer legally obligated to pay an employee for jury duty leave?

Under the Jury Systems Improvement Act 1978 (JSIA), an employer has the right to limit the amount of jury leave days that an employee can take off in one year, and most states have their own rules for dealing with requirements that apply to employers in regard to jury service. There is no legal obligation for an employer to compensate time off for jury service, although some states do set out qualified rights to payment. Often the law will specify, however, that an employee cannot be fired or discriminated against should they be called to jury service.

Is an employer legally obligated to give a full-time employee paid vacation time?

There is no law that requires employers to pay employees for time off, such as vacation or sick leave. However, most employers do pay for a certain number of days off each year; the amount is often dependent on length of service. The Employee Handbook, if the company has one, will usually specify policy in this regard.

What is Workers Compensation?

The workers compensation system provides payment to workers who are unable to perform their duties because of an injury or illness sustained in the workplace. In most situations, the employer`s liability is limited to paying wages and medical expenses, although each state has its own statute. If an employee can prove that the employer intentionally caused the illness or injury, a personal injury suit may be filed, and the damages can be far more significant.

What is the definition of an independent contractor?

In determining the status of a worker as an independent contractor, the party in control of the actual work is key. An independent contractor has license to decide when and how he or she gets the job done, not the employer. If needs be, an independent contractor can stay up all night to complete a contract. An independent contractor is not governed by the laws that govern a full-time employee. They operate much like a small business, and are able to claim tax concessions, and benefit from the flexible working arrangement of the self-employed.