Employment law is the branch of legal practice concerned with all matters related to hiring, retaining, and firing paid workers. Any business owner who has or is starting an enterprise with employees should know the basics of employment law and how it will impact the business and its growth. Below are three facts about this legal area in more detail.

3 Facts About Employment Law

1. Various Pieces of Legislation Determine What Is & Isn't Acceptable in Hiring

Several congressional acts aim to look out for minorities and other marginalized communities in the workplace. As an employer, discrimination is never acceptable, and if you are found to be in violation of any of the various civil rights legislation, you could face stiff penalties. Among the legislation is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits racial, religious, and sexual discrimination in hiring and business practices, and The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which helps ensure disabled people with the qualifications and skills have equal access to employment.

2. State & Federal Laws May Differ

There are anti-discrimination laws at both the federal and state levels. This means that something not included in federal law may be accounted for in state law. Always be fair in your hiring policies and educate yourself on how to be a good recruiter and boss; you don't want to put yourself in a situation where you've broken state or federal laws without knowing it.

3. Solid Contracts Are at the Heart of Any Well-Run Business

Contracts help determine your relationship with your employees, vendors, and clients. Legally sound and binding commitments should be the goal of any business, so be sure your written agreements are checked out by a lawyer before you implement them. Remember, some contracts might be strictly verbal, and in the eyes of employment law, this can be seen as equally valid as a written agreement.

If you are ever in doubt of your compliance with any component of employment law, trust Arndt Buswell & Thorn S.C. in Sparta, WI. Since 1991, they have offered representation in employment and business law, bankruptcy, and family law cases. Visit their website or reach out to them via Facebook or Twitter to make an appointment today. Call (608) 269-1200 to reach their Sparta office and (608) 486-2324 for Bangor, WI.