Laid Off

[va0615]

I was laid off by my employer after two weeks of employment. The employer notified me that they were no longer able to pay my salary. Before coming to work with the company, I confirmed witht the employer that this would not be a problem since I knew it was a small company. The employer confirmed that everything was fine and it would be okay for me to start. The employer had to have known at that time that they were financially stressed. If they had told me then, I would not have quit my previous job. Do I have a case, should I hire an attorney? Please advise.

 

[bluemann33]

unfortunately unless you had some sort of contract then there is nothing you can do. Va is a right to work state, so unless it was discrimination based on race, religon, etc. then you cnat do a thing. Sorry to hear of your situation and good luck.

 

[cbg]

Right to work means you cannot be required to join a union to get work. What bluemann means is that VA is an employment at will state. (So are 48 other states, and the at-will doctrine would apply, in these circumstances, even in the 50th.)

It might be worth your while to speak with a local attorney as to whether or not you have a claim for detrimental reliance. Not all states recognize such claims, and even if your state does, it will be exceedingly fact specific whether or not it would be worth your while to sue. But it can't hurt to inquire.

If detrimental reliance is not a factor, then I would have to agree with the other poster. Can you get your old job back?

 

[va0615]

Not sure yet, they were working to fill my position and had started to have interviews before I left.