SUTA Rate Doubled in 2012

Georgia companies need to prepare themselves for a large tax increase in 2012. At the start of next year, the Georgia State Unemployment Tax Authorities (SUTA) rate will be at least doubled for every worker in the state which companies pay for.

A few years ago, the state unemployment trust fund ran out of money which forced Georgia to borrow a $720 million loan from the federal government. Though the state has already paid back $21 million in interest payments, the loan has started to become due causing the state to increase the rate to pay off the loan.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler is suggesting the state cut back on benefits with a requirement to wait a week before being eligible to collect unemployment benefits. Also, he would like to take the top benefit amount down from $330 to $300 a week, along with cutting back the total number of weeks.

For more information, please contact Todd Weyandt at todd@laihr.com.

7 Ways to Have a Holiday Party without Getting Sued

We are in the midst of the 2011 Holiday Season, with everybody running to get all their shopping completed, decorations up and companies wondering if and how they should have a holiday party. Many employers are concerned about the wisdom of throwing a holiday company party with the ever increasing risk of being sued or having some sort of issue arise from the gesture.

Companies are put in a difficult position because on one hand they want to do something nice for their employees, but on the other hand they don't want to make anybody upset or uncomfortable. So, the question becomes how can a company throw a Holiday Party but reduce their risks?

Below are some simple suggestions to answer the big question:
1) If possible, do not serve alcohol. This is actually becoming more the norm among company parties. The simplest solution would be have a catered meal in the office.
2) If you do plan on serving alcohol, there are a few things you can do to lower problems. First, always serve food as well and make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available to people. Second, consider serving only beer and wine. Thirdly, do not have an 'open bar' where employees can drink as much as they want as well as close the bar at least an hour before the end of the event.
3) Hire professional bartenders. It is never a good idea to use supervisors for this job.
4) Announce that the company's normal workplace standards of conduct will be in force during the party. Let the managers know they need to watch to ensure nothing inappropriate happens.
5) Arrange for a taxi service to drive employees home who should not be driving.
6) Invite all employees' significant others.
7) Use common sense and discretion.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!