News

This is the News Section of our site which features miscellaneous information about Benchmark, our website and other information along with highlights about Employment Law changes and related information you should know.  The intent is to give you important topics of interest "at a glance".

Below you will find news about:

1. Benchmark's New Website
2. Our 10th Anniversary
3. New Internet Applicant Rules and Interpretations from the OFCCP
4. New EEO-1 Changes You Can Expect Soon

Welcome To The News Section of Our  New Website!  Our site has been completely redesigned in an effort to better inform you about Benchmark's services and to help you stay up to date on changing laws, regulations, and workplace issues. We have tried to highlight content that we think is relevant in today’s workplace as well as ways we may be able to help you.  We have also provided some useful links to the Department of Labor and other agency sites where you will find a wealth of additional  information. 

Because we will continue making changes to our new site  in the coming weeks, you  may find that it is unavailable at certain times. In addition, some links to specific resources may no longer work once the site relaunches. We appreciate your patience and we hope you enjoy our new site.

Benchmark is very proud to be celebrating our 10th year in business! Thank you to all of our wonderful clients and friends for your support through the years! We appreciate you.

Employment Law NEWS

New OFCCP Internet Applicant Rule and Interpretations - Very Important

In addition to the new rule defining an Internet Applicant which was issued late in 2006, very specific interpretations were recently published by the OFCCP about what this means and how to comply with this rule. Government Contractors should check out our page titled Internet Applicants – FAQ which is located in the Affirmative Action section of our site.  Here you will find actual interpretations from the OFCCP on this new rule including and how to handle different situations to comply with their interpretations.  This is a very important topic for you because it may have a dramatic effect on how you recruit and who you consider in the hiring process.   Please note that as a Government Contractor, you should establish a selection protocol that is aligned with this rule.  If you are selected by the OFCCP for a desk or on-site audit you will be expected to understand and be in compliance with this rule and these interpretations.

 Important EEO-1 Changes

Major changes have been made to the EEO-1 that you prepare every year relative to category, gender and race.  These changes are described in a page under the Workplace Laws Section of our site along with a link to the new form, a timeline and specific information. This new format will require that you survey your employees to determine the appropriate category to use.  

These changes will eventually affect the AAP process, but the date and specifics for that change have not yet been announced.  Once AAP changes are announced relative to changes in categories, gender and race, we will alert our clients so that you can begin using the new format in your data collection process.  We will also upgrade our AAP software at that time to make sure that Benchmark clients are in compliance with these changes. Benchmark is committed to staying informed and helping our clients comply with these and other important OFCCP compliance changes.