Impact of New USERRA Regulations on Small Businesses

Small businesses who have employees on military leave should be aware of a new federal signed by President Bush on December 10, 2004. The law amends the existing Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), and significantly increases workplace protections for employees on military leave and places new burdens on employers.

The new revisions create new compliance obligations to all employers, including small businesses, foremost of which is the protection it provides to employees serving the military. The employment protection it gives to employees serving the military implies that businesses cannot hire new employees to replace those in military duty, nor can they promote their existing staff to fill the spot vacated by the military personnel. The labor law experts at G. Neil warns employers that they need to be aware of their obligations under the new law particularly given that a large number of military reservists and National Guard troops have been called to active duty in recent months.

For more information on this new law, visit this website