With the situation surrounding COVID-19 constantly evolving, we wanted to provide some additional guidance to employers. Should Employers Restrict Travel? Advice on international travel is changing rapidly. Employers are encouraged to visit the CDC website for the current list of travel restrictions. Employers should consider eliminating or limiting non-essential business travel to countries on the warning list or requiring employees to clear business travel with a particular company point-person.
Read MoreLast week, the World Health Organization declared that the Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak is a global public health emergency. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is conducting an ongoing investigation to determine more about this outbreak, and employers should continue to monitor the CDC’s website for updates. Employers should also be prepared for the labor and employment issues that may arise as a result of the outbreak.
Read MoreSince 2017, employers in New York City have been subject to the New York City Salary History Ban. Under the City Ban, employers may not ask an applicant for employment about his or her salary history, search publicly available records to find an applicant’s salary history, or rely on the applicant’s salary history to determine the salary, benefits, or other compensation to be offered, subject to certain exceptions. As of January 6, 2020, all employers hiring employees in New York State must also comply with the New York State Salary History Ban, which expands on the City Ban in several key respects.
Read MoreEffective January 11, 2020, the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) protects independent contractors and freelancers from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the same terms as employees. In addition, independent contractors have the right to receive reasonable accommodations for needs related to disabilities, pregnancy, lactation, religious observance, and status as victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, or stalking, absent undue hardship.
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