The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that workplace discrimination claims reached the second highest level ever in 2009 as more than $376 million was awarded to employees. DISABILITY, RELIGIOUS BIAS CLAIMS RISE Claims of race discrimination and retaliation were the most frequently filed, followed by gender, age and disability. The number of allegations based on disability, religion and/or national origin all reached record highs in Fiscal 2009. The EEOC warned employers it will continue to step up enforcement and litigation to protect workers.

DISCRIMINATION CLAIMS BY CATEGORY
The chart below breaks down the 2009 results by the major categories of employment discrimination claims.

SURVEY SHOWS SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WORRY
HSB recently conducted a survey of small business owners and found that two out of three are worried that their employees will file a charge against them. When asked why, 40 percent of small business owners blamed the recession and 60 percent cited new laws that could make it easier for workers to file a charge.

AGENTS RESPOND WITH PACKAGED COVERAGE
This growing exposure has more agents quoting employment practices liability (EPL) insurance for their small business customers. One agent described EPL insurance as a "check box item" now that coverage is increasingly available that is designed and priced specifically for small businesses.

HSB HELPS INSURERS ADD EPL PROGRAMS
Do your carriers offer EPL programs for your small business clients? HSB works with several general liability carriers to package our Portfolio EPL program in their small business policies, making the coverage easier and more affordable. HSB does not offer the coverage on a direct basis.

DO YOUR COMPANIES OFFER THIS PROTECTION?
In HSB's survey of small business owners, more than 90 percent said they would be interested in affordable EPL coverage. Ask the insurance companies you represent if they offer employment practices liability insurance.