In some states (such as Georgia and Tennessee) an employer is required to provide an employee with a written separation notice when the employee’s employment ends—whether the employee is fired, laid off, or quits. In states in which a separation notice is required, it is often a one-page form document that is available on the state’s department of labor website.

A separation notice may be relevant when a former employee is applying for unemployment benefits or when a former employer is defending against a wrongful termination or discrimination claim. Although the employment of most employees in most states is at-will, an employer cannot fire or terminate an employee for an illegal or discriminatory reason (age, sex, race, religion, etc.).

For these reasons an employer should be familiar with the applicable law and may want to consult a lawyer when completing a separation notice or responding to a request for a separation notice.

In Alaska (AK), there is no specific state statute that requires employers to provide a written separation notice to employees when their employment ends, whether due to termination, layoff, or resignation. Unlike Georgia and Tennessee, where such notices are mandated, Alaska does not have a similar legal requirement. However, it is important for employers to be aware that despite the lack of a state-mandated separation notice, they must still comply with federal laws and regulations regarding employment termination. Employers cannot terminate employees for illegal or discriminatory reasons, such as age, sex, race, religion, etc. While a separation notice can be useful in unemployment claims or defending against wrongful termination or discrimination claims, it is not mandated by Alaska state law. Employers in Alaska may still choose to provide such notices as a best practice or to ensure clear communication with former employees. When dealing with matters of employment termination, an employer may find it beneficial to consult with an attorney to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and to handle any potential legal issues appropriately.