Region 6 - West Virginia Department of Commerce

After completing the business registration application for the WV Tax Department (which includes a section for UnemploymentCompensation on page 3 of the form), the Tax Department automatically forwards an electronic copy of the application to the WVBureau of Employment Programs, even if the applicant has no employees. After review, the WVBEP will determine whether additionalinformation is needed and will contact the employer at that time.Both federal and state unemployment compensation coverage requirements apply to workers who are classified as employees(owners are not eligible for unemployment coverage). The WVBEP Employer Handbook provides details about laws, rules, claims,and reporting relating to unemployment —www.wvbep.org/bep/uc/HDBKEMP.HTM#EmpLiab%29. When an employer is determinedto be liable, or applies for and is approved for voluntary coverage, the WVBEP issues an Employer’s Certificate of Registration andassigns a ten-digit account number.LABOR LAWSFor details of West Virginia labor laws, contact the West Virginia Division of Labor, Wage and Hour section, at 304-558-7890 orvisit www.labor.state.wv.us/wage.Child Labor. Age specific guidelines for the employment of children in West Virginia are as follows:13 years of age and younger: No permits are required for actors or performers in motion pictures, theatrical, radio, ortelevision productions. (Note, minors 13 years of age and younger cannot be gainfully employed in any occupation except inthe exempt occupations – such as actors/performers – identified in W. Va. Code § 21-6-1.)14-15 years of age: Work Permits are required for persons 14-15 years of age (various restrictions associated with workhours; restricted to non-hazardous occupations). Work permits are obtained from the Boards of Education in the counties inwhich the students live. A copy of the work permit is forwarded to the WV Division of Labor, which is charged with theresponsibility of assuring the minor is not working in an unsafe environment or performing duties not suitable to their age.16-17 years of age: Although not a requirement of law, employers may require proof of age for persons 16-17 years of age(work hours unrestricted; may not drive motor vehicles as principal part of employment or for delivery purposes; work limitedto age appropriate non-hazardous occupations). Age certificates are obtained from the Boards of Education in the counties inwhich the students live. A copy of the age certificate is forwarded to the WV Division of Labor, which is charged with theresponsibility of assuring the minor is not working in an unsafe environment or performing duties not suitable to their age.For further details, contact the West Virginia Division of Labor, Wage and Hour section, at 304-558-7890 or visitwww.labor.state.wv.us/wage. A poster referring to child labor laws, in brief, is available at www.labor.state.wv.us/images/forms/wage/posters/POSTER.PDF. Details of child labor laws — W. Va. Code § 21-6-1 — is available at www.labor.state.wv.us/images/forms/wage/LAWCHILD.PDF.State / Federal / Miscellaneous Organization ContactsWEST VIRGINIA STATE AGENCIES• Official West Virginia State Website — www.wv.gov• Governor’s Office — 304-558-2000; www.wvgov.org• Secretary of State’s Office – 304-558-8000; www.wvsos.com• Department of Agriculture - 304-558-2201; www.wvagriculture.orgAnimal Health Division - 304-558-2214WV agricultural products/commodities – 304-558-2210• Department of Commerce – 304-558-2234; www.commercewv.orgDivision of Forestry – 304-558-2788; www.wvforestry.com- Fall Folliage –www.wvforestry.com/fall_foliage.cfm?menucall=fallfoliageDivision of Labor, Wage & Hour Section - 304-558-7890; www.labor.state.wv.us/wage- Child Labor Laws – www.labor.state.wv.us/images/forms/wage/LAWCHILD.PDF- Child Labor Laws Poster (in brief) – www.labor.state.wv.us/images/forms/wage/posters/POSTER.PDFDivision of Natural Resources - 304-558-2754; www.wvdnr.org- State Parks - 304-558-2764; www.wvstateparks.com- Wildlife Management Areas – 304-558-2771; www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/wma.shtmDivision of Tourism - 800-225-5982; www.callwva.com16