What are the steps I should take to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania employment laws when hiring new employees?
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As an attorney, I can advise you on the steps you can take to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania employment laws when hiring new employees. Firstly, to ensure compliance with state employment laws, you should verify that your business is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Moreover, Pennsylvania law requires employers to provide employee notifications such as notice of rights, worker’s compensation insurance, drug and alcohol testing policies, and equal opportunity and unemployment compensation benefits.
Additionally, you need to adhere to laws regarding wages and work hours. In Pennsylvania, minimum wage is set at $7.25 per hour for employees who are not considered tipped workers. For tipped employees, the minimum wage is $2.83 per hour, provided that the employee earns at least $30 per month in tips. You should also be aware of the maximum number of hours an employee can work without overtime, which is 40 hours per week. If an employee works more than 40 hours in a week, you are required to pay them overtime at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly rate.
In terms of hiring, Pennsylvania prohibits discrimination against employees based on race, religion, sex, age, disability, and other protected classes. Therefore, to ensure compliance with discrimination laws, it is important that you establish a fair screening process for new hires, that is free from any form of bias. You can also consult with an attorney to review your company policies or employee handbooks to ensure compliance with state and federal labor laws. In addition, we can help you draft and review employment contracts to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania law.
Lastly, whenever you’re in doubt, you should consult with an attorney who specializes in Pennsylvania labor and employment law. They can provide you with legal guidance specific to your particular situation and advise you about potential legal risks or obstacles you may face. It is important to understand that laws and regulations in this area change frequently and you need to stay up to date with the latest developments to stay compliant with state laws.
