The RISQ RECAP – March 21st – March 25th, 2022

President Biden Signs Executive Order Promoting Pay Equity and Transparency

“In addition to digesting OFCCP’s release of a new directive on compensation, government contractors may soon see new regulations around inquiries into and the use of prior salary information. In conjunction with Equal Pay Day, President Biden signed a new Executive Order on Advancing Economy, Efficiency, and Effectiveness in Federal Contracting by Promoting Pay Equity and Transparency.”  Full Article

– Jackson Lewis

EEOC Issues Reminder That Caregiver Duties Continue Even As COVID Surge Wanes

“On March 14, 2022, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released a new technical assistance document, “The COVID-19 Pandemic and Caregiver Discrimination Under Federal Employment Discrimination Law,” reminding employers that caregiver obligations continue notwithstanding our gradual return to normal.”  Full Article

– Squire Patton Boggs

How to Create a Level Playing Field in the Workplace Through DEI Efforts

“We know that a more diverse workforce is more competitive, more lucrative, and better for employees and businesses as a whole. And there are many ways that HR professionals and company leadership can manage workforce diversity to achieve success, both in their organization and employees’ individual careers. The concept of equal opportunity employment has long been established in the HR space. But in recent years, companies have been moving toward not only avoiding discrimination, but actively promoting inclusion.”  Full Article

– Phelps Dunbar LLP

Enforcement Against COVID-19 Related Fraud: Two-year Anniversary Update

“On the eve of the pandemic’s two-year anniversary, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released updated statistics on its efforts to combat COVID-19 related fraud and announced the appointment of a director of COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement. To date, DOJ has charged over 1,000 individuals with criminal offenses involving losses exceeding $1.1 billion; seized over $1 billion in Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) proceeds; and conducted over 240 civil investigations into more than 1,800 individuals and entities for alleged misconduct in connection with pandemic relief loans totaling more than $6 billion.”  Full Article

– Morrison & Foerster LLP

EEOC’s Advice to Employers on Accommodating Religion and COVID-19 Vaccines in the Workplace

“As employees return to the office, many employers have questions about how to address requests for religious accommodations for COVID
-19 vaccination requirements. As a result, on March 1, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued guidance on responding to such accommodation requests. As a general matter, employees and job applicants can request an accommodation for an employer’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement if it conflicts with their sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances.”  Full Article

– Day Pitney

IRS Issues Guidance on the Tax Court’s Review of Employment Status Determinations

“The IRS issued Notice 2022-13, effective February 7, 2022, regarding the Tax Court’s review of an IRS determination as to whether a worker is properly classified as an employee or an independent contractor. The new guidance modified and superseded Notice 2002-5 and Rev. Rul. 2009-39 so that formal IRS notice under section 7346 is no longer a requirement for a taxpayer to petition the Tax Court for review of an IRS’s worker reclassification determination.”  Full Article

– Steptoe and Johnson