OFCCP Releases Updated FAQs on New Disability and Veterans Rules

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has issued updated guidance on its recently released final rules regarding the employment of veterans and individuals with disabilities.  Both rules go into effect on March 24, 2014. The updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) address such issues as the proper way contractors should apply the seven percent utilization goal for individuals with disabilities and the eight percent hiring goal for veterans to their workforce.  The FAQs also address the difference between jobs filled and the number of people hired – two new data collection requirements under the rules for covered contractors.  In addition, the guidance clarifies that contractors may, in job announcements, refer to covered veterans and individuals with disabilities in an abbreviated fashion as long as the abbreviation is commonly understood by those seeking employment, specifically stating that using “D” and/or “V” is not permissible. FAQs for the veterans rule and FAQs for the disability rule are located on OFCCP’s website.  For additional resources, visit www.agc.org/topicalresources.  The primary category is “EEO” and the secondary category is “Affirmative Action/EEO.”