Editor’s Note

In a historical move last week, the United Kingdom ended its 43-year old relationship with the European Union. Many things are expected to change with this exit, and everyone, especially the business world, is anxious to know how it would impact them. Although employment and immigration legislation are bound to change, it won’t happen before 2018 when the actual UK exit (or 'Brexit') will come into effect.

“Brexit”: Can it be termed as the liberation of employment law?

To many employers the recent vote to leave the European Union would be a liberation; it could mean freedom from red tape, over regulation and employee friendly employment law, but would this really be the case? The sad fact of the matter for many employers is that any immediate change would be small and in the longer term we can look forward to a piecemeal approach to employment law depending upon the new, independent government of the day and its relationship with the EU.

Legal and Compliance Excellence Advertisers: July 2016

50% Jump In Identity Theft!: Tips to stay safe

​Earlier this year, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported there was an almost 50% jump in identity theft complaints in 2015. The primary driver of that spike, by far, was tax identity theft. The FTC received 490,220 complaints about identity theft last year, with tax identity theft accounting for 221,854 of the complaints.

Bracing For Brexit: After the shock, what now?

To the shock of corporate Britain, the UK voted last week, by 52% to 48%, to leave the European Union. Within hours of the referendum result the British Prime Minister David Cameron announced that he would be standing down some time before October. The British Pound slumped, and stock markets around the world saw billions wiped off their value.

More Paid Sick Leave: The new trend sweeping California

California’s Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 (California’s Sick Leave Law) took full effect statewide on July 1, 2015, requiring that most employees may use at least three days (24 hours) of paid sick leave per year, while the total cap on sick leave accrual cannot be less than six days (48 hours). However, various cities within California (such as Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco, Emeryville and Santa Monica) have gone further and require employers to offer even more paid sick leave than that required statewide.

Employee Wellness Programs: What the EEOC has to say?

There is a lot of discussion happening around EEOC’s new rules about Employee Wellness Programs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The new rules tell us what makes a wellness program voluntary within the meaning of the ADA. So, what’s a voluntary wellness program. Voluntary participation in a wellness program,

New Minimum Wage And Paid Sick Leave Ordinance: How does it affect small business owners in Chicago?

​Effective July 1, 2017, employers in the City of Chicago will be required to offer at least five days of paid sick leave to part-time and full-time employees. On June 22, 2016, Chicago City Council unanimously approved the Chicago Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance, substantially expanding paid time off requirements for employers, city-wide. With its approval, Chicago joins a growing number of U.S. cities, states, and counties with similar sick leave requirements. 

Securing Workplaces In The Era Of Mass Shootings: Upgrading safety and security

Does your workplace require photo identification for on-site employees? A mandatory sign-in and pass procedure for visitors? How about security personnel equipped with video software to monitor the walk in/out during hours of operation? Does your place of work maintain a camera and motion security system with central monitoring during off hours?

Your 401(k) Plan Probably Sucks!: How to fight for a better one

Most 401(k) plans are laden with high fees and underperforming investment choices. If you want that to change, you’ll have to speak up. Here’s the problem with the intentionally intimidating world of retirement investing: