Utah Contractor Practice Exam

When an employee who is not hired for a specified period quits, when must the employee be paid?

1. Within 5 days of quitting

2. On the next scheduled pay period

3. Within 30 days

4. Never

The correct answer is: On the next scheduled pay period

In Utah, when an employee quits without a specified period of employment—often referred to as at-will employment—they are entitled to be paid for all hours worked, and this payment must occur according to the employer's regular payroll schedule. This means that if an employee resigns, their final paycheck will typically be issued on the next scheduled pay period. This provision helps provide clarity and consistency for both the employee and the employer concerning payment timelines, ensuring that expectations are met in line with the company’s payroll processes. This approach recognizes the importance of maintaining orderly financial operations within a business while still respecting the rights of employees to receive timely compensation for their work. By linking the final paycheck to the next scheduled pay period rather than creating an immediate obligation upon resignation, employers can better manage administrative tasks associated with payroll processing.