October 16th - New Jersey Business Updates
NJDEP Offers Free Virtual Regulatory Conference for Businesses
New Jersey businesses that manage environmental compliance can attend the 25th Annual NJDEP Multimedia Regulatory Update Conference on November 20, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM.
This free virtual event provides updates across key regulatory areas, including air and water quality, waste management, contaminated site remediation, climate change, environmental justice, and enforcement. Businesses will also hear about emerging contaminants, materials sustainability, energy regulations, and compliance requirements across multiple NJDEP programs.
The full agenda is available in PDF format.
Register Now
Employers Must Report All Worker Separations Online
New Jersey employers are required to report all employee separations electronically through the Employer Access portal — including layoffs, terminations, resignations, and retirements.
Reports must be submitted immediately when an employee becomes unemployed. Electronic reporting helps speed up unemployment benefit determinations, and employers who fail to comply may face penalties for willful non‑reporting.
Get Started
Flood Insurance Claims Open for Businesses Impacted by September Nor’easter
Businesses affected by the September 25–27 Nor’easter can file flood insurance claims now — no disaster declaration required.
Safety first:
- Do not enter your property until conditions are safe.
- Do not move or discard damaged inventory, equipment, or records until an adjuster documents the loss, unless there is a health hazard.
- Claims may be filed even before returning to the property.
Document everything:
Take photos and videos of all damage, maintain logs of conversations with insurers and adjusters, and save all receipts. FEMA provides a detailed claims checklist and step‑by‑step guidance.
File Your Claim
Minimum Wage Increasing January 1, 2027
New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase to $16.48 per hour for most employees beginning January 1, 2027 — a $0.56 increase from the current rate. Employers should update payroll systems to reflect the new requirements.
Additional rates effective January 1:
- Agricultural workers: $15.00/hour (up from $14.20)
- Seasonal and small employers (fewer than 6 employees): $16.25/hour (up from $15.23)
- Long‑term care direct care staff: $19.48/hour (up from $18.92)
- Tipped workers (minimum cash wage): $6.61/hour (up from $6.05), with a maximum tip credit of $9.87
Employers must ensure that cash wages plus tips meet or exceed the state minimum wage.
More News from Raritan
- Mattering Gap Among K–12 Educators Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation, in collaboration with The Mattering Institute, have released new research examining how K–12 educators experience mattering in their work—specifically, whether they feel valued, Insights from Gallup, the Walton Family Foundation, and The Mattering Institute
- For Many Somerset County Residents, Recovery, Healing, and Hope Starts at Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center Richard Hall is located at 500 North Bridge Street in Bridgewater and has been accredited by the Joint Commission for over 20 years,