As a lawyer, I can advise businesses in California that there are several employment laws that they need to be aware of when hiring new employees. These include:
- Anti-Discrimination Laws: California employers are prohibited from discriminating against job applicants based on their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition.
- Minimum Wage Laws: California employers must pay their employees at least the minimum wage established by law, which is currently $14.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees, and $13.00 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.
- Wage and Hour Laws: California employers must comply with state and federal laws regarding overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and other wage and hour issues.
- Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Under California law, employers with 50 or more employees must provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for certain medical and family reasons, including childbirth, adoption, or serious illness of the employee or a family member.
- Workers' Compensation Laws: California employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance to cover their employees in case of a work-related injury or illness.
- Immigration Laws: California employers must comply with federal immigration laws, including verifying the employment eligibility of new hires and avoiding the employment of undocumented workers.
It is important to note that these are just some of the employment laws that California businesses need to be aware of when hiring new employees, and that there may be other laws and regulations that apply depending on the specific circumstances of the employer and the employee. It is always advisable to consult with an experienced employment law attorney to ensure full compliance with all state and federal laws.
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