Key HR Points for California Employers in 2018

Key HR Points 2018
2018 brings some Employment Law Changes that are potential opportunities for EPLI claims. According to our HR legal council, Leanne Gravagne, the following changes will affect California Human Resources Managers hiring protocol:

California Bans the Box 

Do you have at least 5 employees? It’s time to update all employment applications to remove any criminal history inquiries. Under the new law, consideration of an applicant’s criminal history is permissible only after a conditional offer of employment.

*NOTE: Those in Los Angeles were already required to cease this practice in 2017.

California Bans Salary History Questions

In an effort to eradicate the gender gap and other pay inequalities, California now prohibits an employer from inquiring about a candidates’ salary history as of January 1, 2018. Be sure to communicate this new law to all levels of management. Remove any salary questions from company applications and any interview scripts/guides.

California Minimum Wage Increase

The statewide minimum wage will rise to $11/hour (from $10.50) on January 1, 2018, for employers with 26 or more employees. For businesses with fewer workers, $10.50 (from $10.00). The state minimum wage will continue to rise each year, so keep an eye on this! Review the applicable scheduled increases if located in cities with local laws like LA, San Francisco or Berkeley. 

*NOTE: Minimum wage regulations in many municipalities are outpacing CA state increases, be sure you are applying the correct minimum wage rates!

 Have any questions regarding HR and Employment Practices? Look forward to our EPLI Webinar featuring Leanne Gravagne coming soon!

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