What is the Law Regarding Employment in Virginia?

In Virginia, employment law means those laws covering employee and employer relationships, as well as independent contractors. Such laws regulate employment matters like hiring, wage levels, and termination policies. Both employees and employers should have knowledge of the Virginia employment laws.

"At-Will" vs. Contract Employment Terms

Sometimes an employment contract is used that sets a specific length of employment, but most of the times employment is considered to be on an "at-will" basis. "At-will" employers or employees may terminate the employment at any given time, if the reasons are not illegal. When the parties use an employment contract, the terms of employment will be regulated by their state and federal laws, as applied to people living in Virginia.

Anti-Discrimination laws in Virginia

Virginia citizens must abide by laws which make discrimination illegal at all phases of employment, including hiring workers, wage disputes, and terminating procedures. Individuals who live in the city of Virginia are required to follow laws which employers from discriminating based on certain classes. These classes include race, gender, disability, national origin, and age.

Discrimination claims can usually be heard in front of an administrative agency such as the EEOC. Some attorneys specialize in the field of discrimination claims.