NH · Workplace Issues

Workplace Issues in New Hampshire

By CanISueForThis Editorial Team Reviewed by Editorial Team Updated March 21, 2026

Key New Hampshire Law

New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Section 354-A:7 (New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination)

New Hampshire's Law Against Discrimination prohibits employment discrimination based on age (18+), sex (including pregnancy), race, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or genetic information. It applies to employers with 6 or more employees.

View official statute

Procedural Details in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is an at-will employment state. New Hampshire's anti-discrimination law covers employers with 6 or more employees and protects workers 18 and older from age discrimination — broader than the federal ADEA's threshold of 40+. New Hampshire also expressly protects sexual orientation. Workers must file a complaint with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights within 180 days of the discriminatory act. New Hampshire's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal floor. New Hampshire has no state paid sick leave or paid family leave mandate. New Hampshire does not have a state income tax, which can affect how wages are calculated. Wage claims may be filed with the New Hampshire Department of Labor. New Hampshire has a strong public policy exception to at-will employment recognized by its courts.

New Hampshire Agencies & Resources

New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights

Investigates employment discrimination complaints. File within 180 days of the discriminatory act. Covers employers with 6+ employees.

Visit

New Hampshire Department of Labor

Enforces New Hampshire wage payment laws, minimum wage, and labor standards. Handles wage claims.

Visit

EEOC Boston Area Office

Handles federal employment discrimination charges for New Hampshire workers.

Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

How does New Hampshire's age discrimination protection differ from federal law?

New Hampshire's Law Against Discrimination prohibits age discrimination for workers 18 and older — far broader than the federal ADEA, which protects only workers 40 and older. Young workers in New Hampshire who experience age-based discrimination have state law protections not available under federal law.

How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint in New Hampshire?

Workers have 180 days from the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. This is shorter than many states. For federal EEOC claims (dual-filed), the window extends to 300 days. Missing the 180-day state deadline may limit state remedies.

What is New Hampshire's minimum wage?

New Hampshire's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal floor. New Hampshire has not enacted a higher state minimum wage. Tipped employees may be paid a lower direct wage provided tips bring them to at least the minimum wage.

Does New Hampshire require paid sick or family leave?

No. New Hampshire does not have a statewide paid sick leave or paid family and medical leave mandate. Workers must rely on the federal FMLA (12 weeks unpaid) for qualifying family and medical events at covered employers. Some private employers voluntarily offer these benefits.

Related Workplace Issues Scenarios

Have a Specific Situation in New Hampshire?

Every situation is unique. Try our educational assessment tool for guidance based on your specific circumstances.

By CanISueForThis Editorial Team Reviewed by Editorial Team Updated March 21, 2026