What Is Employment Law? Your Guide

Did you know that there are more than 180 Federal laws enforced by the Department of Labor that are about the subject of employment?

If you're like most business owners, the topic of employment law training is probably a mystery to you. It's understandable - the laws governing employee-employer relationships can be complex and confusing.

But it's essential to have at least a basic understanding of what they are, especially if you plan on hiring employees in the near future.

This article will answer the question 'what is employment law' and some key things you need to know about it.

What is Employment Law?

Broadly speaking, employment law is the body of law that governs the employer-employee relationship.

This includes everything from how to hire employees to what an employer can and cannot do during employment in terms of labor laws.

It also covers important topics like wage and hour laws, workers' compensation, employee benefits, and more.

Broken down into sections Employment Law covers the following things:

• The right to a written contract
• The right to work
• The right to be paid
• The right to be informed of any changes
• The right to a safe working environment

These points encompass a whole host of different scenarios and situations to stay compliant. However, these are the main things to bear in mind as an employer.

Why You Need to Understand Employment Law

As a business owner, it's important to have a basic understanding of employment law so that you can avoid any legal trouble down the road.

For example, if you don't follow the proper procedures for firing an employee, you could be sued for wrongful termination.

Or if you don't offer your employees the minimum wage, you could be subject to heavy fines from the government.

Understanding employment law will also help you create a happy and productive workplace.

By following the proper procedures and regulations, you can avoid any conflict or misunderstanding between you and your employees.

Different Legal Rights in Different Circumstances

It's important to note that employment law varies from country to country, and even from state to state and from industry to industry.

For example, in the United States, there are two main types of employment relationships: at-will and contract.

At-will employees can be terminated at any time for any reason (with a few exceptions), while contract employees can only be terminated for specific reasons that are laid out in their contract.

In the United Kingdom, on the other hand, there is only one type of employment relationship: contract.

This means that all employees have certain rights and protections under the law, regardless of whether they are at-will or contract workers.

It's important that you are at least knowledgeable of your industry's labor laws and whether your state has different laws from the rest of the US.

Important Employment Laws

Below are some of the most common and important federal laws that all employers should be aware of.

Family and Medical Leave Act

The Family and Medical Leave Act is a US federal law that allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. This leave can be taken typically for certain family and medical reasons.

These include the birth or adoption of a child, the serious illness of a family member, or the employee's serious health condition.

To be eligible for FMLA leave, the employee must have worked for the company for at least 12 months. This law is for any employer that has over 50 employees in their company.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)

The Occupational Safety and Health Act is a US federal law that requires employers to provide their employees with a safe working environment.

This includes things like proper training, safety equipment, and hazard prevention.

Employers who violate OSHA standards can be subject to heavy fines.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is a US federal law that prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age.

This law applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

Veteran's Preference Act

The Veteran's Preference Act is a US federal law that gives preference to veterans when it comes to hiring for government jobs.

To be eligible for this preference, the veteran must have been honorably discharged from the military and have served during a time of war or national emergency.

This law applies to any employer that is hiring for a government job.

Providing a Safe Working Environment: Compliance Training

As an employer, it's your responsibility to provide a safe working environment for your employees.

This includes things like proper training, safety equipment, and hazard prevention.

If you don't follow the proper procedures, you could be at risk of fines or even being sued by present or former employees in the event of injury.

One way to navigate this is to access compliance training. Any business that requires DOT HAZMAT, EEOC, EPA, HAZWOPER, HIPAA, IATA, IMO, MSHA, and OSHA training can benefit from using this service.

It ensures that your employees are given the correct amount of training and risk assessment courses so they are well knowledgeable and competent in their job roles.

This can also reduce the risk of accidents in your company as a whole as your employees have the necessary qualifications and information to do their jobs safely.

What is Employment Law? Your Questions Answered

We hope this article has helped you better understand what is employment law and how it can affect your business if you don't take the time to learn the ins and outs.

One way to mitigate any risks of breaking employment law is to make sure all your employees have the right qualifications and training for their jobs.

If you want to find out more about the training services we offer, contact us directly to learn more.