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If I am getting rid of someone, it's usually for cause. However, if I terminate someone, then they can file for benefits, then I have to fight to say that the employee was fired for cause, prove my case, yada yada yada. It's much more time efficient for me if the employee just resigns, as all I have to show is the resignation letter.

Unemployment insurance is paid for by employers, and the more former employees that collect unemployment, the higher the employer's unemployment insurance premiums. I save a ton of money by making sure my former employees do not get unemployment benefits. This is also why a resignation is important, in that it gives me assurance my premiums won't rise.

I haven't had to let anyone go simply because I didn't have enough work for them, so I can't say I've screwed anyone out of unemployment benefits. I'm just making sure my costs stay down when I do need to get rid of someone. However, this is also why companies may offer severance. They can either pay increased unemployment insurance premiums to the government, or they can win goodwill from employees by giving them some cash and also releasing the employer from some additional liabilities.




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