I have heard arguments that “fired” has the implication that the employee is at fault
Generally that’s not an implication, it is the outright meaning. America is weird on that because you guys can be fired without cause; in the civilized world you’re either fired (at fault), laid off (no work for you to do), or terminated with severance pay (because you’re not at fault, but it also isn’t a layoff).
The phrase “let go” is definitely PR speak. It makes it sound less aggressive than “fired” or “terminated”.
I have heard arguments that “fired” has the implication that the employee is at fault and did something bad, but the argument is weak.
Generally that’s not an implication, it is the outright meaning. America is weird on that because you guys can be fired without cause; in the civilized world you’re either fired (at fault), laid off (no work for you to do), or terminated with severance pay (because you’re not at fault, but it also isn’t a layoff).