Severance packages for terminated employees recently have become a topic of debate in the New Jersey Legislature. Two bills are pending that would penalize higher-paid workers who receive severance packages by denying them state unemployment benefits. Neither bill has passed either chamber of the legislature.
Regardless of what happens in Trenton, employees (and ex-employees) should not approach the issue of severance passively. Professional-level employees should proactively plan for the possibility of termination by working with an employment attorney in one or more ways:
Some of the benefits worth negotiating for in a severance package include outplacement services, a positive job reference and extension of medical coverage for an extended period of time. Contact an experienced employment attorney today.