How to terminate an employee’s services

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How to terminate an employee’s services

Im a new business owner in Illinois. Our first
employee hire recently walked out of their job
and hasnt returned for 5 days. They have been
employed by us for about 1 month. Their cell
phone is disconected but can still receive
texts. We would like to terminate their
services but are having trouble contacting
them. There also are building keys that need to
be returned. How do I go about dismissing them?
By text seems inappropriate but not sure
legally how to go about this since I cant even
have a phone conversation at this point. I feel
as though they quit but I want this to be done
officially and legally. I can probably wait on
issuing their last pay check until keys are
returned. Thank you for any guidance you can
offer.

Asked on June 1, 2018 under Business Law, Illinois

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

Inappropriate is not the same thing as illegal: while it is certainly more professional and courtesous to terminate someone in person, termination by phone, text, email, letter, etc. is perfectly legal. If you have their cell number and address, call, text, and also send a registered letter so you can prove delivery of the termination notice. 
Final paycheck: have it available for them; in the text ask them to come in for it; if they don't reply or don't come in, mail it to them after another day or two (again, send it some way you can prove delivery).


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