Is it important to include an at-will disclaimer in an employee handbook?
An at-will disclaimer is a statement by an employer that says that the employer does not intend the handbook to be a binding contract, and that the employer is not bound to follow the terms set out in it. Most state courts have ruled that an effective disclaimer will prevent an employee from arguing in court that statements in an employee handbook altered the at-will relationship. Even if an employer does not have an employee handbook, a disclaimer may be an effectvie way to prevent a discharged employee from claiming that the employer made promises of job security. What should the at-will disclaimer say? A disclaimer should state that the handbook is not to be considered a contract and clearly inform employees that they are employed at will and can be terminated at any time for any reason or for no reason at all. Is it enough to state that the handbook is not a contract? A disclaimer that merely states that the handbook is not a contract may not be enough. The employer can still find
