Section 31-290a (a) contains no requirement that any particular word be used in the process of terminating an employee’s employment. Any words or conduct that an employee would reasonably understand to signify that his employment was terminated are sufficient. On appeal, the defendant does not contest the commissioner’s finding that the defendant told the plaintiff during their telephone conversation on May 22, 1995, that the uniforms and keys to the gas station should be delivered to the defendant immediately, or he would call the police. The defendant does not challenge the finding that he had given the same message to the plaintiffs son earlier that morning. The defendant’s conduct does not warrant any inference that the plaintiff should have drawn from the demand that he return the items he needed to continue his employment, except that his employment was terminated. We conclude that the finding of a discharge is amply supported by the evidence. *70II