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Employment Law

Independent Contractors: Liability Issues

02/08/2007

HR Law 101: When independent contractors are acting as a company’s agents, the company is liable for their actions, according to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2003 …

Job Descriptions

02/04/2007

HR Law 101: Even though job descriptions are absolutely essential, too few employers use them effectively, and some even view them as a nuisance. Every employer should maintain a file of up-to-date job descriptions for all the positions in the organization …

Job Advertisements

02/03/2007

HR Law 101: Make sure your job advertisements are based on accurate, up-to-date job descriptions and comply with anti-discrimination laws. Don’t use phrases like “perfect for college students” or “ideal for working mothers” …

EEO-1 Reports

02/02/2007

HR Law 101: In an effort to monitor employment of minorities and females in the workforce, the EEOC requires certain employers to complete and file an Employer Information Report, commonly called an EEO-1 report, by Sept. 30 each year.

10 ways to cut your organization’s legal bills

02/01/2007
Perhaps the last thing you want to think about is hiring an attorney. But someday you will probably have to work with attorneys on contracts or even — perish the thought — lawsuits aimed at your organization. The good news is you can take some steps to contain the cost of using outside lawyers. Here are the 10 best ways to trim your legal expenses.

References, Background Checks

02/01/2007

HR Law 101: Make it your policy never to hire a candidate without a reference/background check. Your organization could be held liable for “negligent hiring” or “failure to warn” should the employee turn violent on the job. If the employee’s past history would have revealed a problem but you didn’t spot it because you didn’t check, the courts will say you “should have known.” Your firm not only might have to pay damages but also would suffer a loss of reputation …    
 

 

10 ways to squeeze more value from your EAP

02/01/2007

Is your organization reaping the full financial benefits from its employee assistance program (EAP)? If employees aren’t using it, the answer is probably “no” …

Higher contribution limits will boost interest in HSAs

02/01/2007

If your organization offers a tax-advantaged health savings account (HSA) plan, look for much more employee interest in 2007. That’s because employees can now pour more dollars into their HSAs, thanks to new legislation signed by President Bush in December …

Retail bosses needn’t be present to win executive exemption

02/01/2007

In an important opinion letter issued recently, the U.S. Labor Department said store managers can retain their executive-exemption status (i.e., ineligible for overtime pay) even if they don’t physically supervise employees under their control on a regular basis …

Sort out health care laws with new govt. Web tool

02/01/2007

The U.S. Labor Department recently unveiled an interactive Web site to help guide employers through the maze of federal health benefit laws …