Legal Question in Business Law in New Jersey

medium size (40-50 employee) nj company has written employee manual with policies, rules, procedures. all new hires must sign off that they have read it. can employers make verbal addendums and changes at will, or do they have to be in writing?


Asked on 1/25/11, 7:25 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Barry Gartenberg Barry F. Gartenberg LLC

Thank you for your LawGuru question. It depends on what the manual says. If the employer had competent legal advice, it is highly unlikely that manual was written in a fashion that would allow it to be interpreted to be a "contract" at all---in which case the issue of changes is really irrelevent. I suggest that you contact me ASAP so that we may explore your options and protect your legal rights. 973-921-0600.

Kindly note and remember that my response is merely a general comment on the law related to your question, and NOT legal advice or opinion. Also, your question and my response does NOT create an attorney-client relationship between us. You cannot rely upon what I have written, because I do not have all of the information that I need to advise you or render an opinion. Even simple facts you have not shared can completely change my answer. For me to give you legal advice or opinion, you would need to hire me to be your lawyer, and then we would need to discuss this in detail and go over the documents.

With best wishes,

Barry F. Gartenberg, Esq.

Please visit my website! www.bgartenberg.com or call me if you�d like to learn more about me or my practice. Thank you.

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Answered on 1/27/11, 8:35 pm
Kevin B. Murphy Franchise Foundations, APC

As a Franchise Attorney I can say this. It depends on what the underlying manual says about future addendums, changes, etc. Generally, in the absence of a written employment contract, employment relationships are "at will," and can be terminated, changed, etc. at the will of the employer. Consult with a good business or franchise attorney in your area for specific advice.

Mr. Franchise - Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.

Franchise Foundations, a Professional Corporation

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Answered on 1/31/11, 8:25 am


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