Federal courts usually have held that the company retains its right, under the common law governing formation of contracts, to revoke an offer of a severance agreement during the 21 day review period mandated by the Older Workers Benefits Protection Act.
If an under-40 employee is the only person being offered a Severance Agreement, then no particular time period for consideration of that offer must be pro- vided. In general, however, any release must be “knowing and voluntary” to be enforceable.
Under the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (``ADEA''), if you are over 40, you have a minimum of 21 days to consider the severance offer and 7 days after signing to revoke the acceptance. Use that 21 days (or possibly 45 days if 2 or more employees or being laid off) to seek legal counsel.
Under the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (``ADEA''), if you are over 40, you have a minimum of 21 days to consider the severance offer and 7 days after signing to revoke the acceptance. Use that 21 days (or possibly 45 days if 2 or more employees or being laid off) to seek legal counsel.
Employees age 40 or older must be given 21 days to consider the employer's offer, unless it is part of a group termination. In a group termination, employees must be given 45 days. If the employee is younger than 40, there is no specified period of time which the employee must be given to sign the severance agreement.
California employers are required to give employees over 40 a minimum of 21 days to review a severance agreement. During this time, employees can seek advice from an attorney or financial advisor. Additionally, employees have 7 days after signing the agreement to revoke it.
Lack of Voluntary Consent: Under California law, a severance agreement can be considered valid and enforceable only if the parties entered into it voluntarily. If your consent was obtained through coercion, duress, or fraud, the agreement will be deemed invalid.
Some factors that are often considered include length of employment at the company, your position or rank within the organization, salary, and individual circumstances relating to termination. Some employers adhere to a written contract or employment agreement or policy that was outlined previously.