New Hampshire ( NH ) Wage and Hour Laws

New Hampshire (NH) wage and hour laws are set in place to help provide fair working conditions for all employees. These laws also serve as a guide for employers.

New Hampshire has not seen an increase in minimum wage in about nine years. That wage is still set at the federal standard of $5.15 per hour. Controversy exists within the state of New Hampshire to see that this wage be raised by $1.00, to $6.15 per hour. However, according to New Hampshire (NH) wage and hour laws, the minimum wage paid to workers is still is $5.15 per hour.

Effort is also being made within the federal government regarding minimum wage. A wage increase from $5.15 per hour to $7.25 per hour has been considered. If this change takes place, New Hampshire would be required to increase its minimum wage paid to workers, even if the state senate rules not to do so. The fight is still on to help improve working conditions for all of New Hampshire.

According to New Hampshire (NH) wage and hour laws employers are required to give employees meal or rest breaks. Workers must receive a 30 minute unpaid lunch break if they work a five hour shift or longer. This meal break given must be an uninterrupted one.

One exception for the requirement of meal breaks is when it is feasible for employees to eat on the job. For example, those who work in offices often will eat at their desks. Along with that, New Hampshire (NH) wage and hour laws do not include a provision for short rest breaks, which are usually between 5 and 20 minutes. However, if these are to be given employers must pay for that time. In turn, the employee may be required to return to work any time during that short rest period.

New Hampshire (NH) wage and hour laws do not specifically make a provision for the payment of overtime. Therefore, New Hampshire follows the federal standards regarding this issue. For example, if an employee is scheduled to work overtime that employer must pay that employee one and a half times more than the regular rate of pay normally given. Overtime pay is usually given for any time worked over 40 hours per week.

Employers and employees are advised to stay informed regarding New Hampshire (NH) wage and hour laws. These were created for the protection of workers, businesses, and other industries.