What kind of exceptions apply to employment “at will?
The two most common exceptions to “at will” employment are “statutory exceptions” and “public policy exceptions.” Statutory exceptions: Many states have enacted statutes (in addition to any similar federal statutes) which prohibit discrimination against an employee or a job applicant on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin or age. In some states, the statutes also bar discrimination based on such classifications as sexual orientation and an individual’s height or weight. Additionally, and again apart from federal law requirements, many states have enacted legislation prohibiting employers from discrimination against employees or job applicants on the basis of some health condition or disability. Generally, these laws prohibits discrimination not just in situations where there is an actual disability, but also in situations where there is no “actual” disability, but where the employer “perceives” a disability. Many states have whistleblower protection laws. These are usu
