What is the difference between wrongful termination and unfair dismissal?

Wrongful termination and unfair dismissal are both forms of illegal termination of employment. However, there are some important differences between them. Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired in violation of the laws of the state or federal government. This could include termination due to discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, etc., retaliation against a worker who filed a complaint, or a breach of contract. In these cases, the employer is responsible for providing adequate notice or compensation to the employee. In contrast, unfair dismissal occurs when an employee is fired without legally just cause. This could be due to an employer’s personal issues with the employee, or due to action that the employee could not reasonably have foreseen. In Virginia, for example, employers are required to provide a valid reason for dismissing an employee, and to provide the employee with an opportunity to dispute the grounds for dismissal. Generally, the employee can contest the validity of the dismissal in an unemployment appeals hearing. In some instances, an employee may be entitled to back pay or damages if it is determined that the dismissal was illegitimate.

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