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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, 2025

Key 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 doctrine
Yes Public policy exception
Yes Implied contract exception
No Good faith exception

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

  • Filing deadline180 days for NHCHR complaints; 300 days for EEOC (dual filing)
  • State agencyNew Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (NHCHR)

Back pay, reinstatement, compensatory damages, and attorney fees.

New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (NHCHR) website

Related New Hampshire resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does New Hampshire protect sexual orientation?

    Yes. New Hampshire's Law Against Discrimination includes sexual orientation as a protected class.

  • 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.

  • How long do I have to file in New Hampshire?

    You have 180 days to file with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights.

  • 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.

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