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For the first time in ten years, “the percentage of positive drug tests among American workers has increased…, fueled by a rise in marijuana and amphetamines,” according to a recent release by Quest Diagnostics.

October 18—October 19, 2014 … Mashable.com:

October 11, 2014–Oct. 12, 2014 … Law 360:

Everyone knows credit information stays on your report for seven years and for most employers you can only go back seven years when performing background checks – BUT WHY? Is it biblical, strategic or arbitrary?  The answer to the reason for seven years of credit history will surprise you.

Forbes: “How Marijuana Legalization Will Affect Drug Testing in the Workplace” … While no one is certain how the legalization of marijuana will affect the nation, especially our lives at work, the resounding response is to continue or increase drug testing.

HR Director: “What If Employees Actually Were an Asset?” Even though the analogies are British, the concept applies. Common wisdom says that “employees are our greatest asset”, but are they really?

Debtor’s financial records are available to debt collectors through Accurint, a service provided by LexisNexis; however, earlier this month, a federal judge required a payment of $13.5M for violations of the FCRA.

Media Bistro: “Communications Executive Resigns After Background Check Uncovers Red Flag” … Yet another falsified degree is uncovered in an employee background check—this time, it was for Wal-Mart’s communication vice president.

September 13-14, 2014 … Inc.: “Free Food Makes Employees Happy, So Naturally the IRS Wants to Tax It” … As if there weren’t enough tax codes currently that small businesses have to follow, the IRS is now looking to tax food supplied in the office, including lunches and snacks. Inc.

Most companies have a rehire policy of some kind—you have to differentiate between those employees you want back on your team and those who can never, ever darken your doorway again once they walk out. But, what determines whether an employee is eligible for re-hire or not?

Sept. 7—Sept. 8, 2014 … TLNT.com: “Court: ADA Requires Accommodating Employees with Angry Outbursts” According to a recent lawsuit, the employee listed angry outbursts directed at subordinates, among the symptoms of his physical ailments.

CNN [VIDEO]: “Five Facts from the US Labor Market”  … In this brief video, CNN focuses on highlights from the latest labor market report, including: