Wrongful Termination in New Hampshire: Your Rights
Understanding wrongful termination protections in New Hampshire. This guide covers at-will exceptions, protected classes, whistleblower protections, and how to file a claim.
Data last updated: Jan 15, 2025Key Takeaways
- At-will employment: Yes.
- Public policy exception: Recognized.
- Implied contract exception: Recognized.
- Filing deadline: 180 days for NHCHR complaints; 300 days for EEOC (dual filing).
At-Will Employment in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is an at-will employment state. Employers can terminate employees for any lawful reason or no reason at all.
Recognized Exceptions
- Public policy
- Implied contract
- Statutory protections
Protected Classes
In addition to federal protections, New Hampshire prohibits employment discrimination based on:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- National origin
- Age
- Disability
- Marital status
Whistleblower Protections
New Hampshire Whistleblowers' Protection Act protects employees who report violations of law or refuse to execute illegal directives.
Filing a Claim
Back pay, reinstatement, compensatory damages, and attorney fees.
New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (NHCHR) website
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does New Hampshire protect sexual orientation?
Yes. New Hampshire's Law Against Discrimination includes sexual orientation as a protected class.
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Does New Hampshire protect gender identity?
New Hampshire's statute protects against sex discrimination, which has been interpreted to include gender identity in some contexts.
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How long do I have to file in New Hampshire?
You have 180 days to file with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights.
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What is the New Hampshire Whistleblowers' Protection Act?
This law protects employees from retaliation for reporting violations of law, rules, or regulations to employers or public bodies.