South Carolina is a "right to work" or "at will" state, which means an employer can terminate employment for any reason. However, labor laws still apply to discrimination and the state's laws pertaining to unemployment govern whether the separated employee will be eligible for benefits based on circumstances relating to the separation.
An illegal reason to terminate someone's employment is discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
It depends on the state you're in, I believe. I live in VA and an employee or employer can terminate the employment without good reason at any time. Normally an employer won't do this. Normally they give a warning.
At will employment
To end something for a reason. For example, we have an agreement that I will pay you for a bushel of tomatoes a week. If you do not bring me tomatoes, I would terminate our agreement for cause. It could also mean ending employment for a reason- if you failed to show up for work, your employment would be terminated for cause (you got fired).
In almost all cases you are 'an employee at will' which means they can terminate employment at any time. There is no requirement that they give a reason for your termination.
The general rule of employment in the U.S. today is "at-will employment," which means that employers can terminate employees for almost any reason, or for no reason at all, as long as it's not illegal (such as discrimination or retaliation). Similarly, employees can leave their jobs without reason or notice. This framework provides flexibility for both parties but also means job security can be limited. Exceptions to at-will employment may arise from contracts, collective bargaining agreements, or specific state laws.
Most employment is called 'at will'. This means either party has the option to terminate employment at any time and for any reason. You certainly could choose to leave your company.
Depending on the state, yes it can be legal. Illinois is an employment at will state, therefore an employer does not have to give a reason for terminating your employment.
It depends on the state law or statute where the employment occurs. For example, in Texas, the law is wide open for employers, in that an employer needs no more reason to terminate an employee than that they want to. In other words, in Texas, an employer does not need any reason to terminate you. Of course it is a two-way street, in that an employee is free to leave at any time, for cause, or just because he wants to. This may not be true in the state where you are employed.
Firing someone, at any time during their employment, is dependent upon the state the person is employed in. Many states have without cause employment laws. In those states you can terminate employment for any reason.
If an employer utilizes a non-compete clause, most employers will not even offer employment if a non-compete clause is not signed beforehand. However, if the employer wants to establish a non-compete clause with current employees after the fact, then it depends on what state you live in and what your employment contract contains. For instance, in an employment-at-will state, an employer can terminate your employment for no reason at all (except if protected under Federal laws such as discriminatory practices or retaliation to whistleblowing); in this case, yes, your employment could be terminated if you don't sign. If you are in a right-to-employment state or operate under an employment contract, then review your contract to determine if your employer can terminate employment if you do not sign.
If they have a lawful reason to be there, yes.