DOL Releases New Recordkeeping Tool
The U.S. Department of Labor yesterday unveiled an "elaws" advisor that the agency says helps employers determine which of the department's recordkeeping, reporting, and notice requirements apply to them. The new "FirstStep Recordkeeping, Reporting and Notices" advisor has been integrated into a FirstStep suite of advisors that also includes the revised and expanded FirstStep Poster Advisor and FirstStep Employment Law Overview Advisor.
"These Internet tools will make it easier for small business employers to learn about and comply with the federal laws that apply to them," said Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. The elaws advisors are free, Web-based tools designed to help employers and workers understand the department's major employment laws. By asking a series of questions, such as size of business, location and type of industry through multiple choice or yes and no questions, the new advisor tool simulates a conversation with a DOL expert and guides users to customized information explaining the requirements of each law. The advisor then provides information from DOL's Employment Law Guide on the basic provisions of these laws.
This entire suite of FirstStep elaws advisors is available at www.dol.gov/elaws/firststep.