Coronavirus Emergency Loans
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has released a guide to help small businesses and the self employed navigate the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. See how the CARES Act can help you keep workers employed during the economic crisis...
FFCRA Poster Requirements
COVID-19 Law Update Note: As laws and regulations are changing daily to deal with COVID-19, we expect to update this alert between now and when the email is sent. Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Required FFCRA Poster The Department of Labor (DOL) has...
FFCRA Payroll Tax Credit – Easing the Burden for Employers
Federal Law Alert 3/25/20 COVID-19: April 1 Effective Date for FFCRA Leaves On Tuesday, March 24, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that the effective date of the leaves available through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) will be April 1, 2020....
Can we discipline employees for complaining about the company on social media?
Answer from Sarah, PHR, SHRM-CP: Probably not. Depending on what they said, and who responded to it, their speech may be protected under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act. Section 7 protects concerted activity by employees that relates to the terms on...
Can we reduce pay because of economic slowdown due to COVID-19?
Answer from Kara, JD, SPHR: You can reduce an employee's rate of pay based on business or economic slowdown, provided that this is not done retroactively. For instance, if you give employees notice that their pay will change on the 10th, and your payroll period runs...
FFCRA Payroll Tax Credit – Easing the Burden for Employers
Federal Law Alert 3/25/20 COVID-19: April 1 Effective Date for FFCRA Leaves On Tuesday, March 24, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that the effective date of the leaves available through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) will be April 1, 2020....
Given COVID-19, if an employee is out of the office due to sickness, can we ask them about their symptoms?
Answer from Kara, JD, SPHR: Yes, but there’s a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. In most circumstances, employers shouldn’t ask about an employee’s symptoms, as that could be construed as a disability-related inquiry. Under the circumstances, however—and in...
A Memo Regarding COVID-19
With the COVID-19 outbreak, each day brings more uncertainty for businesses and our communities. We are monitoring developments on the virus and taking the appropriate steps to support the health and safety of our employees and our customers. No doubt you are also...
We have had someone request an accommodation for a disability. Can you explain undue hardship?
Answer from Kim, SPHR, SHRM-SCP: Under the ADA, an employer is required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, so long as doing so does not create an undue hardship on the organization. Many state laws also use this standard with respect...
SSN No-Match Letters: What to Do If You Receive One
In 1993, the Social Security Administration started issuing no-match letters to employers. However, in 2012, the SSA stopped sending no-match letters to employers, due to various litigation concerns. Quite recently, the agency resurrected the practice, distributing...