In Virginia, the usual employment relationship is presumed to be “at will.” Because of this both the employer or the worker can terminate the connection at any time, for any purpose that’s not illegal, or for no purpose in any respect. For instance, an employer can dismiss a employee with out warning or rationalization, so long as the dismissal is not based mostly on discriminatory grounds. Equally, an worker can resign with out discover or offering a purpose.
Such a association offers flexibility for each employers and staff. Companies can regulate their workforce as wanted to reply to financial circumstances or altering undertaking calls for. Staff are free to pursue different alternatives with out being certain to a particular timeframe. Whereas there are some exceptions, resembling employment contracts with particular durations or implied contracts based mostly on firm insurance policies, the at-will doctrine is the inspiration of most employment relationships within the Commonwealth. The precept has its roots in widespread legislation and has been persistently upheld by the courts.