{"id":4689,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/employer-discrimination.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T04:48:08","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T09:48:08","slug":"employer-discrimination","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/employer-discrimination.html","title":{"rendered":"Employer Discrimination Laws by Company Size"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Employer Discrimination Laws by Company Size<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Small-business owners can sometimes forget that anti-discrimination laws apply to them. These laws seem set up to protect workers in large companies, where discriminatory behavior is hard to spot. A company with as few as two employees must obey some federal laws.<\/p>\r\n

Employers hiring and firing workers<\/a> must consider federal and state employment laws. At the same time, the laws are not evenly applied. Not every business must follow every law. This article looks at regulations based on the size of your business.<\/p>\r\n

The Fair Labor Standards Act<\/a> (FLSA) covers almost all businesses. This law sets federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping requirements, and maximum hours per work week. If your business has gross revenues over $500,000, engages in interstate commerce, or is a school or hospital, the FLSA applies to you.<\/p>\r\n

Very Small Companies: 1-14 Employees<\/h2>\r\n

Very small businesses may consist of no more than the owner\/operator and a secretary or assistant. Some federal employment and anti-discrimination laws apply even to these small businesses. Legal advice should be at the top of your checklist when hiring an assistant or part-time receptionist.<\/p>\r\n