Can I tell an employee’s mother what date her son was fired?

I have an employee who is over 18, but lied to his parents about still being employed with us after he was let go. His mother found out and wants to know when his last day really was. Is it against the law to tell her? I really don’t feel that it is my place, but if it is legal, I may tell her.

Posted 05-10-2013

Ann Kiernan replies:

Employees’ first and last dates of work and job titles are not confidential information, so you can disclose that information, if you wish. But you may want to think long and hard about whether you want to get in the middle of a mother-son quarrel! Good luck.

Information here is correct at the time it is posted. Case decisions cited here may be reversed. Please do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney first.

Ann Kiernan2015-06-10T19:43:07+00:00

About the Author: Ann Kiernan

Ann Kiernan has litigated claims of wrongful discharge and discrimination before state and federal courts and administrative matters before the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, the National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, representing both employers and employees. Ms. Kiernan co-hosted The Employee Rights Forum, a weekly radio call-in show reaching up to a half-million listeners in the New York metropolitan area, and her articles on employment law have been published in many books and magazines. Both as a firm partner and as a director, Ms. Kiernan gained solid experience in management and human resources compliance. She has worked with Fair Measures since 1997.

Can I tell an employee’s mother what date her son was fired?

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About the Author: Ann Kiernan