Layoff regulations are usually specified for an employee by their contract or through an employment handbook. These company provided guidelines may not waive those granted to employees by federal or state government. The federal government identifies four major ways an employee can be wrongfully terminated. An employer may not breach contract details. They may not release an employee because of their refusal to commit an illegal act for them. Any for of discrimination including gender, age, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity may not be the basis of a termination. Any form of retaliation is also illegal. Retaliation would occur in a situation where an employee acts lawfully and without breaking their contract but displeases the employee. For instance, in the employees assistance with an investigation against the employer.