It’s easy to break the law if you’re a federal employee during the government shutdown, but resources are available to help you navigate the tricky legal requirements.

With the start of the government’s first shutdown since 1996, every federal employee who’s not granted a specific exception is being placed on unpaid furlough starting today for a total of about a million workers. But the picture’s a lot murkier for federal contractors. Many of them will still show up to work for agencies – even if it’s not clear when their companies will be paid. We get more from Federal News Radio’s Jared Serbu.

Even if you’re a federal executive and you’re exempt from the government shutdown, the coming days or weeks aren’t looking so hot. But there are resources to turn to for guidance. Greg Stanford is Government and Public Affairs Director of the Federal Manager’s Association.

Some feds decided to use their off time to take action. They joined unions and local members of congress to motivate members to get legislation crafted that will get them back to work. They hope the additional pressure will motivate Congress to get the government back open. The often heard message — stop punishing federal employees.

Day One of the government shutdown is also Day One of the Fiscal New Year today. But it’s not a very happy one in the contracting world. Roger Waldron, president of the Coalition for Government Procurement, says you should already be moving on your company’s shutdown priorities for the new year.

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