2021 Employment Law Update: Part 12 – Tips and Trends for 2021 and 2022
In 2021, due to the ongoing pandemic, the Employment & Labor Group hosted their monthly Annual Update seminars virtually this year. For the final presentation of the series, five Verrill attorneys provide us with short video segments, detailing some of the top trends of 2021 and ways companies and employers can prepare for 2022.
Our first presenter, attorney Elizabeth Connellan Smith discusses Trends and Tips for 2021 and 2022 in Maine Workers’ Compensation. In Trends for 2021 we learn about four main topics -- pre-existing non occupational conditions, work-from-home matters, increasing minimum wage, and COVID and COVID vaccines. For 2022, Connellan Smith recommends utilizing the available benefits from your insurer, being thorough during the hiring process, making sure everything is investigated and properly documented, auditing safety policies and investing in training.
Attorney Douglas P. Currier explores the importance of hiring an outside investigator to investigate employee complaints, concerns, and matters. Currier explains the reasons why you should or would hire an outside investigator, the issues to consider and questions to ask the potential investigator.
The third topic, presented by attorney Emily Coombs Waddell, recaps the Maine Human Rights Act Amendments and Family Obligation Bias and Discrimination. Emily provides an inside look at how Maine’s recent statute affects families, caregivers, and employers alike.
Attorney Richard G. Moon presents Avoiding Class Action Claims in Employment. Richard explains the types of class action lawsuits, key requirements, and the principal case types. He also describes preventative methods your company can take to avoid such a suit.
Lastly, attorney Robert C. Brooks provides us with The Most Valuable Documentation in a Personnel File: The Termination Memo. Brooks illustrates the importance of having this and other termination documents in the former employees file and how it could save the employer tens of thousands of dollars.
For questions or more information on this presentation reach out to any member in the Employment & Labor Group at Verrill.