After over 6 years managing a retail pet store in a very small town, the owner made an offer to sell the business to my husband, he responded with a counter-offer and was terminated the next day. The termination was done by an un-uniformed police officer who is a friend of the owner. He told my husband that he and his wife had "taken the option" on the business and that my husband's "services were no longer needed." While shocked, my husband is actually relieved to now be able to part ways with the owner, who is not a nice person. I have two questions --

1. We understand that based on the reason he was given for his termination, he will be eligible for unemployment? Do you agree?

2. Since his termination, the owner has been telling customers, ex-employees, current employees, etc. that she was never going to sell the business and in fact never offered to sell it to my husband (we have the signed, dated Memo of Intent!). She has also (and we are getting this 2nd hand) been telling people that he hates all animals, kills cats and other animals, that he over-charged a product on her store credit card, apparently without her authorization, that he speaks poorly about the customers and employees to either her, or other customers or employees. It just goes on and on. She knows he is considering opening his own pet shop in town (which will be her competition). He may not do so, we don't know yet. While we feel we should just ignore her, these unsubstantiated defaming comments are extremely upsetting. What should we, can we do?

Thanks for your responses.

Number 2 is not my area of expertise, so I'll leave that to someone else.

However, regarding unemployment benefits, it is most likely that your husband will qualify for them. It does not appear that he was terminated for any reason that would disqualify him. He needs to file ASAP regardless.

Thanks for your quick response as to question one. He has already applied for UI, but we anticipate her appealing the request. Most people seem to agree that he will be eligible. I sure hope so!