March 2014: new jobs in professional, business, food services

Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate held steady at 6.7 percent in March, with 10.5 million people still unemployed. Improved job options became available in health care, professional and business services, and food and beverage services. Overall industry increases accounted for 192,000 new, non-farm jobs. Professional and business services grew by 57,000 jobs, steady…

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Louisville unanimously passes ‘ban the box’ legislation

In a 26-0 vote, the Louisville Metro Council has approved legislation that will make Louisville, Ky., the latest to ban the box. Louisville joins cities such as Charlotte, N.C., San Francisco, and Seattle, as well as states including Rhode Island and California in their efforts against discrimination. This movement prevents employers from immediately disqualifying applicants…

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Obama issues executive orders regarding ‘Equal Pay Day’

On “Equal Pay Day,” which took place on April 8, President Obama issued two executive orders that will attempt to close the pay gap for women and minorities. Obama’s first order was that federal contractors would not be allowed to retaliate against their employees for discussing compensation. The second order stated that the U.S. Department…

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How to avoid employers and social media discrimination lawsuits

Social media sites are a great resource when you’re looking to recruit new hires. However, there is concern that the information one can glean from social media sites — such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, to name a few — can cause discriminatory actions to take place, such as a qualified candidate being passed over…

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Defense Dept. to randomly screen employees with security clearances

has announced that they will begin the implementation of random background checks for department personnel who hold security clearances. The department previously has only run background checks prior to hiring, and when security clearances must be renewed; this can mean that a significant length of time — up to 10 years — can pass between…

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Avoid EEOC lawsuits with smart pre-employment background screening practices

revised and re-released in 2012. In 2013, the EEOC filed 131 lawsuits, including suits against Dollar General and BMW. “We have an obligation to move beyond the ‘safe’ cases, and to identify and address less familiar discriminatory barriers emerging from changes in the economy, technology and demographics,” said P. David Lopez, the EEOC’s General Counsel.…

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Air Force research may improve detection of synthetic marijuana

Because marijuana use can turn up on drug tests, some have turned to the use of a synthetic version of the drug in order to keep usage under wraps. The synthetic version of the drug, which is called “Spice,” utilizes different chemical compounds than marijuana, but has a similar effect on the brain as non-synthetic…

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MYB to attend NAPBS 2014 Legislative and Regulatory Conference

accredited by the NAPBS. Conference attendees will hear from speakers such as Jacqueline Berrien, Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens. They will also have the opportunity to join panel sessions on topics related to the background screening industry, including recent developments and challenges in employment screening, FTC regulations…

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Charlotte ‘bans the box’ on initial job applications

Charlotte, N.C., joins with other large cities such as Seattle and San Francisco in their decision to “ban the box” by removing questions from job applications regarding an applicant’s criminal history. City job applicants were previously required to inform a potential employer if they had “ever pled guilty to, or been convicted of, a crime…

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Questions to consider when screening renters

Whether you’re leasing an apartment or renting out office space, your job is to fill the openings with tenants that will help you maintain your investment and avoid potential liabilities. If you suspect a potential renter will not pay on time or will cause excessive damage to the property, you have to do what’s in…

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