> What does it mean that there is too much liability? What liability do you have for saying true things?
Problem is, in many countries, it's not a fact until a court has made a judgement.
Bearing in mind that the accused employees are technically and legally innocent, you are introducing a few problems. First, the disadvantages of calling these people criminals:
1. They can (and probably will win) sue you for calling them a criminal.
2. The resulting news that a court found against you is a bigger problem. You called someone a criminal, they sued you for it and won. Now you have to deal with the fact that as far as the public goes, you just fired and shamed innocent people.
3. Finally, after the news gets out, all the employees who were laid off in the same round and with same accusations now have legal precedent to challenge your accusations of criminality. And due to precedent, they will almost surely win.
Now, the disadvantages of giving only their start/end dates and job title when called:
[uhh, I can't think of anything ...]
It all boils down to "there is some risk in badmouthing them" vs "there is literally no risk, 0% risk at all, is saying nothing about their behaviour".
Problem is, in many countries, it's not a fact until a court has made a judgement.
Bearing in mind that the accused employees are technically and legally innocent, you are introducing a few problems. First, the disadvantages of calling these people criminals:
1. They can (and probably will win) sue you for calling them a criminal.
2. The resulting news that a court found against you is a bigger problem. You called someone a criminal, they sued you for it and won. Now you have to deal with the fact that as far as the public goes, you just fired and shamed innocent people.
3. Finally, after the news gets out, all the employees who were laid off in the same round and with same accusations now have legal precedent to challenge your accusations of criminality. And due to precedent, they will almost surely win.
Now, the disadvantages of giving only their start/end dates and job title when called:
[uhh, I can't think of anything ...]
It all boils down to "there is some risk in badmouthing them" vs "there is literally no risk, 0% risk at all, is saying nothing about their behaviour".