Posts by Allie
April 2014: drop in unemployment rate, more jobs available
Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate dropped in April to 6.3 percent, down .4 percent from March. Notably, the number of unemployed people — for both those that are re-entering the workforce, and those who are entering the work force for the first time — is down from previous months. In April, 288,000 new…
Read MoreEmployee criminal history no longer a factor in Bed Bath and Beyond hiring
After a human resources manager from Bed Bath and Beyond represented the company at a job fair and distributed materials that stated that the company does not employ those with felony convictions, the New York state attorney general’s office launched an investigation to ensure that the retailer complies with anti-discrimination laws regarding employee criminal history.…
Read MoreWash. state receives access to background check database for legal pot dealers
finally granted the state access to an FBI database so the state can conduct background checks on those who apply for a license. The Dept. of Justice allowed the state access in order to stand by its requirements that those with “troublesome” criminal histories be kept out of the industry. By granting access to the…
Read MoreUberX imposes $1 ‘safe ride fee’
Ride-sharing company UberX has begun adding a new charge to its fare, charging an extra $1 per trip, with the hopes of using the funds to improve customer and pedestrian safety. The fee will be used for background checks, motor vehicle checks, security development, insurance, and driver education, among other things. The fee will be…
Read MoreAdvanced home care: The pre-employment process and how to hire
Many families have to make tough decisions when their aging relatives are no longer able to care for themselves and manage daily tasks. One such decision is, should the person be allowed to continue living in their own home with assistance, or is a nursing or retirement facility the right move? If the best option…
Read MoreEmployers and social media: EEOC considers discrimination laws
Last month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission held a meeting to discuss how social media impacts the anti-discrimination laws that the EEOC upholds. The EEOC discussed many things about the changing role of employers and social media, but its biggest concern was the way private social media posts have begun to play an increased role…
Read MoreSupreme Court may consider Florida drug testing law
Three years ago, Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed an executive order requiring all state employees to undergo across-the-board drug tests. Since then, the order has gone to court, with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) — alongside the American Civil Liberties Union — arguing that the order ignores the 4th Amendment,…
Read MoreThings to know before running credit checks during pre-employment background screening
It’s not uncommon for employers to run credit checks on candidates during pre-employment background screening, especially if the candidate is applying for a position in which he or she would be trusted with the company’s financial records or in charge of managing funds. The point of conducting credit checks versus any other types of background…
Read MoreBill may require restrictions, random drug tests for Calif. doctors
California doctors may find new restrictions in place to prevent potential drug abuse, if a new bill passes. Supporters hope that the bill will prevent doctors from recklessly prescribing painkillers to addicts, and ensure that doctors are not under the influence themselves when practicing. The bill, called the Troy and Alana Pack Act, has already…
Read MoreCare facility’s negligent hiring puts residents at risk
A Chippewa Falls, Wis., mental health care facility was discovered to have a convicted sex offender in its employ, five months after the man had begun working at the facility as an environmental services coordinator. Lake Hallie Memory Care had hired the offender in April 2013 before a criminal background check had returned results. His…
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