Sometimes it’s the little things that trip us up. Too often, people new to franchising overlook the fact that they are now employers, and that New Jersey law requires a great deal more of employers than New York or Pennsylvania. For example, even if you only have a handful of employees, you are required to post Department of Labor statements relating to wage and hour rules, the whistle-blowing statute, and anti-discrimination laws where your employees can see them. Also, it is a good idea to start developing an employee handbook early in your franchise career, to avoid running afoul of state civil rights laws and to clarify your sick time, vacation day, and other policies. Small, simple steps like these are often overlooked in the intense period around “opening day,” but are worth their weight in gold when it comes to preventing potential employee litigation. Lastly, don’t forget that you need to be compliant with the ADA, so make sure that your store meets the accessibility requirements imposed by federal law. Remember, the old saying “ignorance of the law is no excuse” still holds true. Technorati Tags: :