On May 15, the Small Business Administration (SBA) published its long-awaited Loan Forgiveness Application and Instructions for Borrowers (Application). The Application clarified certain forgiveness rules and calculations for the Paycheck Protection Program, although there remain several open issues that we expect the SBA to continue to clarify through an additional Interim Final Rule and FAQs. Click here […]
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide paid leave to employees for a variety of reasons, including when the employee cannot work or telework because the employee’s child’s school or day care is closed due to COVID-19 related reasons. With the end of the school year […]
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most businesses were faced with making difficult decisions regarding their workforce. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that, in April, the unemployment rate rose to 14.7 percent totaling 23.1 million unemployed. While the number of new unemployment claims appears to be dropping, for the week ending May 2, 2020, […]
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) recently published updated and expanded technical assistance addressing questions arising under federal equal employment opportunity laws related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The April 23, 2020 guidance, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws,” expands on previous guidance and addresses […]
President Trump late yesterday signed a Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak. For more information, click here.
As businesses begin to contemplate reopening, what will be the expected norms for employees, vendors, customers, and visitors? Click here for more information.
Employers considering whether to distribute any type of face mask in the workplace should know the potential occupational safety and health implications. OSHA’s respiratory protection standard, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.134, governs employee use of dust masks and respirators. An employer’s obligations under the respiratory protection standard hinge on the type of face mask offered and whether […]
The United States Department of Labor updated its “model” notice of employees’ rights pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA” or “Act”). This updated model notice must be posted or distributed to employees electronically in time for the FFCRA’s effective date of April 1, 2020. Click here for more information.
OSHA recently provided a reminder (through its website) to employers on recording of workplace exposures associated with COVID-19 (https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/standards.html). The current pandemic does not alter the rules regarding recording contagious diseases. Click here for more information.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) recently issued guidance giving employers the green light to take employees’ body temperatures in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Should an employer decide to implement such measures, there are possible implications under the Occupational Safety and Health Act that employers should keep in mind. Click here […]