The latest BLS data, regulatory updates from DOL & Treasury and job seekers’ growing desperation: 3 things you need to know this week

BLS releases latest benefits data

The gap in benefits coverage between full-time and part-time employees is a significant one—and may grow as employers respond to health care reform. The newest information from the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that employer-provided medical care was available to 85% of full-time private-sector workers in March 2013 (the latest dates available), compared to just 24% of part-time employees.

The data, pulled from the National Compensation survey, show that the full-time/part-time gap persists across all other core benefits:

• 74% of full-time workers had access to a retirement plan, compared to 37% of part-time workers.
• Paid sick leave was offered to 74% of full-time employees, just 24% of part-time workers.
• 72% of full-time workers were offered life insurance; 14% of part-time employees had access.

DOL, Treasury update 2013 regulatory agendas

Two of the biggest benefits regulatory agencies—the Departments of Labor and the Treasury—have released updated information about their focus for the remainder of the year. Although the updates are few, Sutherland law firm points out, it’s worth noting that they are in significant areas.

Among the five new initiatives (two from DOL and three from Treasury), two are most pertinent to benefits: guidance related to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, with final regulations to be issued in October; and guidance related to the 90-day waiting period limitation under the Affordable Care Act, final rules due in December.

Sutherland notes, though, that neither agency addressed the Supreme Court’s recent decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act—a ruling with clear benefits implications. So, employers will need to watch the agencies for further guidance on how to design and administer benefits in light of that decision.

This week’s hidden gem: Job seekers are getting desperate, willing to lie their way into a hire

Sure, we all know that many people “tweak” their resumes to accentuate the positive, and background check firms are a tool for employers to help suss out applicants who out-and-out lie. However, it’s hard to see how employers would find their way around applicants who not only are determined to lie their way into getting hired but paid a firm to assist them in doing so. But who would do that, right? That’s what we thought.

That is, until we read about Timothy Green, who leads Paladin Deception Services. Green recently told CNN that for $54 per month, he’ll help job seekers “replace a supervisor with a fictitious one, alter your work history, provide you with a positive employment reputation and give you the glowing reference that you need.”

Green told the network that duplicitous job seekers account for more than 60% of his monthly business of around 250–300 clients.