Employment law is a broad category of laws—statutes, case law (court opinions), rules, and regulations—that govern the relationship between an employer and an employee. Employment law includes state laws that only apply to employer-employee relationships in a given state, and federal laws that apply to employer-employee relationships in all states.

In South Carolina, employment law encompasses a variety of regulations and statutes that dictate the relationship between employers and employees. State-specific laws cover matters such as wage and hour requirements, workplace safety, discrimination, and unemployment insurance. For instance, South Carolina has its own minimum wage law, although it defaults to the federal minimum wage rate as it does not set a higher state-specific rate. The state also adheres to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for issues such as overtime pay. Additionally, South Carolina follows the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) for workplace safety standards. Anti-discrimination laws in South Carolina are enforced in alignment with federal laws like the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Moreover, the state has its own regulations for workers' compensation, which are mandatory for most employers. It's important to note that while federal laws provide a baseline of protections and standards, state laws can supplement these with additional requirements or benefits for employees. Employers in South Carolina must comply with both sets of laws, and when there is a conflict, the law that offers the greater protection to the employee typically prevails.