What are the legal requirements for hiring employees in California?

The legal requirements for hiring employees in California are as follows:

1. Job Application: All job applicants must be considered without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability, or any other protected class.
2. Background Checks: Employers can conduct background checks on job applicants, but only with their written consent. Background checks cannot include information on arrests that did not lead to a conviction, certain types of criminal convictions, or credit history, except for certain positions.
3. Minimum Wage: The current minimum wage in California is $14.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees, and $13.00 per hour for employers with 25 or fewer employees.
4. Overtime: Employees are entitled to overtime after working 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Overtime pay is 1.5 times the employee's regular rate of pay. For employees who work more than 12 hours in a day or more than 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day of work in a single workweek, the rate is 2 times their regular rate of pay.
5. Meal and Rest Breaks: Employees who work at least 5 hours are entitled to a 30-minute meal break, and those who work at least 10 hours are entitled to a second 30-minute meal break. Additionally, employees are entitled to a 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours of work.
6. Discrimination and Harassment: Employers must provide a workplace free from discrimination and harassment based on race, religion, gender, disability, or any other protected class. Employers must have a policy in place, and provide regular training to employees.
7. Workers' Compensation: All California employers must carry workers' compensation insurance to provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to work-related activities.

Limitations and exceptions to the above requirements may vary based on the specific industry, position, or size of the employer. It is important for employers to consult with a licensed attorney to ensure compliance with these requirements and any additional legal obligations that may apply.

In conclusion, employers in California must adhere to certain legal requirements when hiring employees, which include non-discrimination, background checks, minimum wage, overtime, meal and rest breaks, discrimination and harassment policies, and workers' compensation. It is important for employers to understand their legal obligations and consult with a licensed attorney to ensure compliance.