Layoff Employee with Cancer

Gayle · February 2004

We are laying off 50 of our 86 employees due to the sale of a line of business. One of the individuals identified for layoff has recently finished chemo and radiation treatment for breast cancer. She falls into the middle range of performance ratings as we rated employees based on objective performance criteria to determine who goes and who stays. The layoffs will not be based on seniority and we have made that very clear. She is, however, a long term employee with a serious medical condition and she is over 40. I do not believe this alone is enough to keep her on, since we can show we have better performing employees. Any thoughts???

Hatchetman · February 2004

It's tough. In fairness to all, though, you make the decision without regard to her medical condition and document the basis to show she was laid off without regard to her medical condition or age.

Gayle · February 2004

Thanks-I guess I knew this but needed someone else to say it is OK to do something that appears heartless....

Rockie · February 2004

Gayle: Just take the medical component out of it and it appears that your decision was based on sound facts and procedures. Since she is one of many, it appears that you are on sound ground here.

These are always the tough ones.

Layoff Employee with Cancer

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