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Fair and equal treatment isn’t just the right thing to do… it’s also the law.
Whether you’re hiring for a new position, planning a promotion, or letting an employee go, it’s important to be aware of anti-discrimination laws enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Why? Because if you are accused of discrimination or harassment, you could potentially face a long and costly legal battle to resolve it, whether you’re guilty or not.
These laws also protect your employees from any retaliation if they report a situation where they experienced or witnessed discrimination.
As a business owner, it’s important to understand the laws that could lead to a discrimination claim. Here’s a quick overview of protected classifications at the federal level. (Note: This is not legal advice – for specific guidance pertaining to your business, always consult a licensed lawyer with small business expertise.)
These laws also make it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. Remember: Local or state laws might get more specific than these federal laws. Be sure to familiarize yourself with any laws unique to your area, and consult a lawyer for specific legal advice pertaining to your business.
Even if you do everything you can to be proactive and fair in your business, you still could be faced with a lawsuit accusing you of discrimination. Even if the accusations aren’t true, a lawsuit could leave you stuck with hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal bills.
Good news: There’s time to think ahead and protect yourself.
Talk to your local independent insurance agent about adding Employment Practices Liability (EPL) coverage to your business insurance policy. This coverage may help you in the instance someone brings a lawsuit against your business for wrongful acts, such as discrimination.
To learn more about EPL coverage, consult your Independent Insurance Agent. And if you have a business here in South Central Pennsylvania, give us a call and see how much money we can save you while providing your business with the protection it needs. Just Call 717-872-7756 and ask for Amy.