Greetings and Happy New Year from everyone at Omni Resource. We are looking forward to a busy year for you and for all of us.
Many of you have already noticed our new website. This is the first step in introducing several new benefits for our clients and their employees. As you look around you will notice a couple of new log-in buttons. We are adding an extensive on-line HR training program and a powerful web-based time and attendance system. More details will be coming in the next few weeks.
We are also proud to introduce Mr. David Little as Omni's new Business Development Manager. David has an extensive background in serving business owners and their employees with a variety of HR related products. Again, look for more information about David in the next few days.
Please take a moment to read over this issue of our news letter. There are many legislative changes happening that may impact your business.
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| Revised I-9 Form |
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The federal government recently announced that The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a new I-9 form for use beginning February 2, 2009. Here is an overview of important changes:
A. Expired documents will no longer be accepted for employment;
B. The "Temporary Resident Card" and "Employment Authorization Cards I-688A and I688B" will no longer be accepted;
C. The new U.S. Passport Card, Foreign passports with readable visas, and Passports from certain citizens from Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of Marshall Islands are now acceptable documents for employment.
Omni will make the new forms available prior to February 2nd. Please do not use old I-9 forms after February 2nd. |
| New FMLA Posters |
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Proposed changes to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are official and will go into effect January 16, 2009. Employers with 50 or more employees must post the new general notice. Omni has ordered new posters for each necessary client. If you do not receive your poster by January 16th, please contact our office. The following are changes to the regulation:
A. General Notice Obligations - employers covered by FMLA must post a general FMLA notice.
B. New Employer Form Requirements
· Eligibility Notice
· Medical Certification
· Rights and Responsibilities Notice
Omni Resource manages FMLA for all of our effected clients. Additional information may be obtained through Kim Niland (410) 224-7550. |
| IRS - Mileage Rate Change |
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The optional standard rate for business miles driven in 2009 will be 55 cents per mile effective January 1.
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ADA Amendments Act (ADA) |
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 ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
On January 1, 2009, amendments for the Americans with Disabilities Act went into effect. This will impact many HR functions including recruiting and hiring. Two main changes hiring managers need to be aware of:
A. More applicants will be protected - the definition of 'disability' is greatly expanded, it is a condition that substantially limits a major life activity. This means that more applicants will be considered disabled and companies will have to offer reasonable accommodations more often.
B. 'Regarded as' complaints will be easier to raise - under ADA, even applicants who aren't disabled can sue if they prove the company thought they were disabled. The ADAAA raised the stakes for employers by stating an applicant can sue if the company 'thinks' they are impaired - even if the perceived impairment would not have fit the legal definition of a disability.
What this means for managers; be careful not to make the common hiring mistake of assuming an applicant cannot do the job because of a medical condition.
Contact Omni Resource for further information. |
| Advantages of Having Direct Deposit |
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DIRECT DEPOSIT is a safe and easy way to have funds deposited directly into an account at the financial institution of your choice in the United States.
· CONVENIENCE: You will avoid making special trips to pick up your check or go to the bank.
· FREEDOM: Your check is automatically deposited to your account; while you are here or away.
· PEACE OF MIND/SECURITY: Your check won't be lost in the mail, stolen or misplaced.
· RELIABILITY: Deposits will be credited to your account on payday so your money will always be in your account on time.
· FLEXIBILITY: It's easy to switch accounts or change banks. Simply fill out a new direct deposit form.
· SAVINGS: You won't have to worry about paying check cashing fees. Many banks now offer free checking for people using direct deposit.
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| IMPORTANT W-2 Information! |
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2008 W2's have been prepared and sent to our distribution provider. Look for your W2 in the mail soon.
After January 31, 2009 W2's will also be available on-line.
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