Leave of absence

[Clifford]

My employer is asking me to take a leave of absence for one month. She will pay my salary during that month at a reduced rate.

My employer has requested that I sign a leave of absence agreement. If I do not sign the agreement, I will not be paid for the month of December. She has also asked me to create a proposal to request part - time work starting after the month of leave. I have a feeling that she will not accept this proposal. By signing this agreement, I worry that I won't be able to obtain unemployment benefits because it sounds like I am agreeing to leave on my own accord or that I am on extended leave without pay. I feel that I must sign the document in order to have a salary for the next month.

Am I risking my ability to obtain unemployment by doing this?

 

[cbg]

First off, why does your supervisor want you to take this leave of absence?

 

[Clifford]

Thank you for asking.

I did ask her but did not get a straight answer from her. She said that I was still an employee but that she is just deciding how I will be working with the company and that I should propose an idea. She said that I need to take a break and think things through. Without sounding negative, I feel that she is covering her bases and I won't be hired back.

There are three reasons that I can think of...

A. We are a high profile company and many clients were very unhappy and threatened to leave when she fired the last employee. She will try to get the clients comfortable with the new employee before she annouces that I am no longer with the company.

B. She has a law degree and knows how to 'work the system' so that her unemployment insurance will not go up.

C. Both

Thank you for your consideration and much appreciation for any thoughts you can offer.

 

[cbg]

If you are concerned that the agreement will limit your ability to receive unemployment, have it reviewed by your own attorney before signing.

 

[Clifford]

Thank you. I just might have to do that. I appreciate your thoughts on the matter.