Can my former employer keep asking if I found another job yet? Isn’t that harassment?

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Can my former employer keep asking if I found another job yet? Isn’t that harassment?

I was released from my job in Dec 08, under IL St Continuation, I pay my ex-employer ins premiums, each e-mail she asks if I have found a job yet. I usually keep it short and prof. and just don’t answer the question, but this time she replied back and asked again. How do I respond so that she will not “lose” my insurance premium checks. We were not friends at work, in fact there were many cases which bordered on harassment.

Asked on June 2, 2009 under Employment Labor Law, Illinois

Answers:

B. B., Member, New Jersey Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 14 years ago | Contributor

First, make sure that you can prove that each premium check got to your old job on time -- certified mail, return receipt requested will do it, and will also make sure that your ex-boss knows that you can prove it, which is usually the best defense against any temptation to lie about facts like that.  The insurance continuation laws probably provide some sort of penalty for the employer, if they cause you to lose coverage by mishandling your payment if it's there on time.

I'd suggest you respond in a very professional and polite way, but push it back at her -- "No, I haven't found anything yet, do you know of anyone who might be interested in my skills?"  That might be just annoying enough to get her to stop pushing you on this.

I doubt that there's anything that you could do, as long as the insurance is kept up properly.  If it isn't, or the email harassment gets to be too much, please see an attorney in your area right away.  One place you can find qualified lawyers is our website, http://attorneypages.com


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