Continuing to face a slow economy, many small businesses have tightened their budgets while many students (as well as individuals considering new careers) may look towards internships to gain experience for little or no pay. The US Department of Labor (DOL), however, has been increasing its wage and hour enforcement efforts and is expected to do more so this summer. Last April, the DOL issued new regulations to remind employers of the difference between interns and employees (who are unlawfully not being paid). Simply put, employers cannot avoid the requirements of federal law by simply labeling employees as “interns” or “trainees” to minimize costs.
Do you know the six criteria the DOL has set to discourage employers from taking advantage of inappropriately classifying interns? What are the questions to ask about your internship program to help ensure you have a valid and properly classified internship position? What are the three key factors to keep in mind when considering an internship program at your company?
For answers to these questions and much more, be sure to read the featured article by the HR pros at MyHRSupportCenter, DOL Eyeing Employers’ Internship Programs. If you’re not yet signed up or would like a free trial of MyHRSupportCenter, contact Vision Payroll today.
Many businesses consider having an intern due to budgetary concerns in hiring an employee. However, an intern is not free labor. An internship must be a learning experience for the benefit of the intern and not the employer.
- Are interns entitled to benefits under federal law such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and a workplace free from discrimination?
- How does an employer determine if a legitimate employee relationship exists?
- What resources does the Department of Labor (DOL) provide to help employers make these determinations?
Get answers to these questions by listening to Employees vs. Interns in this month’s HRCast, a recording provided by our team of HR Pros and available exclusively on MyHRSupportCenter. You’ll also learn the six key criteria the DOL uses to help determine if an intern must be paid.
Visit MyHRSupportCenter regularly, not only for our HRCasts, but also to get late-breaking compliance alerts, best practices to implement, and HR tools to use every day. If you haven’t yet signed up and would like a free trial of MyHRSupportCenter, contact Vision Payroll today.
In 2010, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has increased its budget, the size of its enforcement team, and the number of its enforcement actions, which all point to a big warning for businesses to make sure a proper safety and health program is in place to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Is your company on OSHA’s hit list?
- What is the impact of OSHA’s Site-Specific Targeting (SST) program?
- How has the level of enforcement changed under the Obama administration?
Get answers to these questions by listening to Responding to OSHA Recent Ramp-up in 3 Steps in this month’s HRCast, a recording provided by our team of HR Pros and available exclusively on MyHRSupportCenter. You’ll also learn three steps you can take right now to prepare for an OSHA inspection.
Visit MyHRSupportCenter regularly, not only for our HRCasts, but also to get late-breaking compliance alerts, best practices to implement, and HR tools to use every day. If you’re not yet signed up or would like a free trial of MyHRSupportCenter, contact Vision Payroll today.
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