New COVID-19 Resources for Employers

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, we write to share the latest updates that may affect your business and employees.

Washington State Employment Security Department COVID-19 Benefits

The Washington State Employment Security Department published this chart that outlines what benefits are available to employees under certain COVID-19-related scenarios.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act and Notice

The chart does not include details about the new mandatory paid leaves that are now required by the federal government under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). You can learn more about these emergency paid leave laws on the Client Alert issued by CH& on March 20, 2020. The Labor Secretary will be issuing regulations to provide further direction on this law, and we will send another update when we know more.

We have learned that employers must provide notice of these new emergency leave rights to employees, and the United States Department of Labor has published this example notice document. This document is sufficient for most companies and we recommend you use and post this. Organizations must post these requirements in a “conspicuous place on its premises.” For employees telecommuting, you may satisfy this requirement by mailing or emailing this notice to employees or by posting this notice on an employee information internal or external website. Note that the notice combines the two types of leave: Paid FMLA Leave (reason number 5 in the Washington ESD Chart) and paid sick leave (the other reasons). The notice must be posted starting April 1 through the end of the year.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to CH& employment counsel with questions. We are ready to help you navigate the workplace challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and related announcements by government and health officials.

Cairncross & Hempelmann Employment Group

Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice.