Private companies and employees of the private sector are assumed to be riding on a wave of free employment schemes. Formally called an “employment at will” doctrine, this is defined as both employer and employee having the privilege to end their working relationships without any explanation or prior reason for as long as it does not become illegal (like breach of contracts for example). An employer in this case has the right to terminate the employee with legal reasons (when declaring bankruptcy), and the employee has the choice to leave the company prematurely too (family issues, moving, etc).
However, cases do exists where the employer can be charged for criminal activity by the law if he is found out to have terminated an employee due to discrimination. Several state and federal laws require the employer to fire an employee within reason. Terminating an employee’s contract because of their sexual orientation, race, national origin, disability and such is considered discrimination.
Discrimination may not be an entirely criminal act, but it violates laws that can be deemed criminal if action is taken that is directly influenced by discrimination. Nowadays, several government bodies have taken it within themselves to ensure that discrimination becomes a point of focus for the construction and development of new laws.
Employees in the same way have the right to end their contract and prematurely end their relationship with the employer. They have the rights to do so in several factors. Example, if they find that the job is one that does not fit their qualifications or of their job description, or if they experience discrimination in their work that makes it uncomfortable for them and less effective during work. Employees that leave because of self termination can sometimes be excluded from after-termination benefits, but it may not always be the case as other companies still consider it for their employees.
Public sector employees and private sector employees are both governed by the same law and conditions that apply in different times and terms. It is important that employees are informed by the conditions that trigger these while under the employer. This insures a good working relationship with the employer as well as implements trust between them.
To find out exactly how employee harassment works, visit this website about harassment in the work place.