ClauseryFree employment termination letter template (Word)
A clear, respectful notice of termination covering the end date, notice or pay in lieu, final pay, optional severance, return of company property and who to contact.
No sign-up. Your answers stay in your browser. Who it is for: HR managers and small-business owners who need to confirm a termination in writing.
Updated · Word (.docx) · Free to use and adapt
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What is in the termination letter
- Employee, role and termination date
- Optional reason
- Notice period, garden leave, or pay in lieu of notice
- Final pay and accrued time off
- Optional severance
- Return of company property
- Benefits information and HR contact
Read the full template
This is the complete wording. [Labels] are filled in from your answers, and highlighted text only appears when it applies; hover over it to see when.
NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
[Letter date]
[Employee name]
[Employee address]
Dear [Employee first name],
This letter confirms that your employment with [Company name] as [Job title] will end on [Termination date].
The reason for this decision is [Termination reason].
You will receive pay in lieu of notice for [Notice period].Your notice period is [Notice period], and you will not be required to work during it.
Your final pay, including any accrued but unused paid time off, will be paid on [Final pay date]. In addition, you will receive a severance payment of [Severance amount], subject to the terms set out in a separate agreement.
Please return all company property, including [Property to return], by [Return by date].
Information about your benefits after your employment ends, including any continuation options, will be sent to you separately.
If you have questions, please contact [Hr contact name] at [Hr contact email].
Sincerely,
[Signatory name]
[Signatory title], [Company name]
The questions you answer
Clausery turns the template into a short questionnaire. Optional parts only appear when they apply.
| Question | Type | Asked when |
|---|---|---|
| Letter date | Date | Always |
| Employee name | Short text | Always |
| Employee address | Long text | Always |
| Employee first name | Short text | Always |
| Company name | Short text | Always |
| Job title | Short text | Always |
| Termination date | Date | Always |
| Has reason | Yes / no | Always |
| Termination reason | Long text | If “Has reason” is yes |
| Notice pay | Yes / no | Always |
| Notice period | Short text | Always |
| Garden leave | Yes / no | If “Notice pay” is no |
| Final pay date | Date | Always |
| Has severance | Yes / no | Always |
| Severance amount | Money | If “Has severance” is yes |
| Property to return | Short text | Always |
| Return by date | Date | Always |
| Benefits info | Yes / no | Always |
| Hr contact name | Short text | Always |
| Hr contact email | Always | |
| Signatory name | Short text | Always |
| Signatory title | Short text | Always |
How to use it
Open it
Click Fill it in now. The template opens in Clausery with its questionnaire ready.
Answer the questions
Work through the sections. Drafts save as you type, on your device.
Download the document
Get a finished Word file with your formatting intact, or print it to PDF.
Prefer to start from your own wording? Download the Word file, edit it, keep the {tags}, and upload it to Clausery. See the template syntax.
Questions
Do I have to give a reason?
It depends on your country, state and contract. The reason line is optional; take advice before terminating anyone.
Is this enough to terminate someone lawfully?
No letter alone makes a termination lawful. Notice rules, consultation, final pay deadlines and protected characteristics all vary by jurisdiction.
Is it really free?
Yes. The download is free, and filling it in with the Clausery app is free too, with unlimited documents. Library templates never count towards a plan limit, and no account or card is needed.
Is my information uploaded anywhere?
No. Clausery runs entirely in your browser. Your answers and the finished document are created and stored on your own device.
Is this legal advice?
No. These are general samples. Laws differ between countries and states, so have the wording reviewed for your situation before you rely on it.
Clauses in this template, explained
Guide: How to write a termination letter (with a free template)
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This template is a general sample and not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction; have it reviewed before use.