HR and future of work · Industry brief
Top three stories shaping HR and future of work today, written for someone who already works in the industry: regulation, M&A, new entrants, notable filings, and any precedent worth pulling. Cite the trade publication (e.g. trade press, government source, court docket) directly so I can follow up.
← See today's latestFederal contractor rules tighten, Section 503 self-ID drops, VEVRAA thresholds rise
Section 503 disability rule change
Federal contractors can stop asking workers to self-identify as disabled.
The OFCCP published final rules on August 21 eliminating the Section 503 requirement that contractors invite applicants and employees to self-identify as individuals with disabilities, effective September 21 [Quelle: HR Watchdog]. The seven percent utilization goal vanishes as well. Other affirmative action obligations under Section 503 remain live, forcing contractors to maintain parallel documentation and audit trails even as self-ID data collection stops.
Your compliance playbook just split in two.
VEVRAA jurisdiction threshold rises
Vietnam-era veteran reporting thresholds jumped fifty percent overnight.
The OFCCP updated VEVRAA coverage thresholds to $200,000 from $150,000, effective September 21, though self-identification and data collection requirements persist [Quelle: HR Watchdog]. Contractors previously swept into VEVRAA compliance at lower contract values may now fall outside the scope—or remain subject if existing or renewal agreements exceed $200,000. Audit your current contract portfolio against the new threshold immediately.
Jurisdictional creep just rewarded smaller deals.
Executive Order 11246 implementing regs rescinded
Trump's EO 11246 revocation now has teeth in federal contractor rules.
A separate OFCCP rule officially rescinds the implementing regulations of Executive Order 11246, effective October 26, following the President's revocation in early 2025 [Quelle: HR Watchdog]. Contractors who anchored affirmative action plans to EO 11246 standards must transition to compliance under Section 503 and VEVRAA alone. Monitor EEOC workplace discrimination poster updates, which will reflect the regulatory shift.
Your September 21 and October 26 calendars just got crowded.
OFCCP Publishes Final Rules Changing Federal Contractor ...19 hours ago ... ... changes. Section 503. Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits covered federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating against ...hrwatchdog.calchamber.com