Department of Labor oversees many programs including: Unemployment Insurance, Workers' Compensation, and the Wage & Hour Program.

The information contained on this page is meant to assist new businesses get started as it relates to programs the Department of Labor administers.  We highly recommend that anyone starting a business here in Vermont talk to the Vermont Department of Economic Development (802.828.3211) the Vermont Department of Taxes (802.828.2865) and the Secretary of State's Office (802.828.2363)

If you are establishing a new business it is extremely important that you determine whether you will be required to register as an employer with the Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance Division, and determine whether you are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance.

If your new business is hiring an individual to provide services for you, there is a strong likelihood that that person will legally be considered an employee.  If the individual your business hires is an employee, your business must comply with both the Vermont unemployment insurance and Vermont workers’ compensation insurance laws.  The penalties for non-compliance are severe.

For additional assistance as to whether your business is an employer for unemployment purposes, click here and review the information at this link or contact a representative in the Employer Services Unit. 

For additional assistance as to whether your business is an employer for workers’ compensation purposes, please review the information provided on the following web pages:

Workers’ Compensation 

Best Practices For Employers

Employee v. Independent Contractor

Employee v. Independent Contractor Fact Sheet

Or contact:  J. Stephen Monahan, 802-828-2138, Stephen.monahan@state.vt.us

For additional assistance related to employment practices, please review the information provided by Labor’s Wage and Hour Unit, which can be found be clicking here.