The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services (ODJFS) created a website for employers to report false claims of unemployment, available here. Employers should report to ODJFS any employees: (1) to which they offered work that the employee refused, (2) that refused to report back to work, or (3) that quit upon an offer
As employers transition to return to work and return to in-office work, there will be employees who will be fearful of a return to work due to the risk of contracting COVID-19 in the workplace. How do employers handle those requests?
The employee fears contracting COVID-19 but has no underlying special risk factors
For those
I previously reported on the Governor’s Responsible Restart Ohio plan to phase-in a re-opening of businesses that were closed or affected by COVID-19. Originally, the plan required masks or face coverings for employees, customers, guests, and others. That requirement was eliminated one day later. Yesterday, on April 29, 2020, it was added back in for
UPDATED 4/30/20:
On April 27th, Governor Mike DeWine announced a plan to re-open Ohio businesses that were closed by the stay-at-home order. The return to business (and work) will occur in phases. The Governor stressed that the five critical protocols, available here, for all businesses getting back to work are: (1) require face coverings
According to the EEOC’s updated guidance, during the course of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, employers may use the “direct threat” exception to conduct medical tests of employees entering the workplace.
Ordinarily, an invasive antibody test or infection test for COVID-19 would be an impermissible medical examination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, this medical
Congress passed a myriad of tax credits, deferments, loans, and forgivable loan payments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers struggling to navigate the different options should work closely with their lender, accountant, and legal counsel.
Qualified Sick and Family Leave Tax Credits
Wages paid for COVID-19 family and sick leave under the Families First
The EEOC released additional guidance on the types of questions employers can ask about symptoms and diagnosis and handling COVID-19-related information. This information is important for those “essential” businesses continuing to operate and keep their employees safe.
What can employers ask when an employee calls in sick?
Employers may ask if the employee has symptoms
The Department of Labor (DOL) issued two guidance letters this past weekend clarifying the unemployment compensation expansion of the CARES Act, which was passed on March 27, 2020. The guidance letters direct state unemployment and workforce agencies to cover workers who normally do not qualify for unemployment compensation through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program
The avalanche of employment lawsuits to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic has begun earlier than expected. The first wrongful death lawsuit has been filed.
The estate of Wando Evans sued Walmart, alleging that lax safety caused his death due to COVID-19 complications. Evans died on March 25. According to his lawsuit, Walmart sent Evans
The Department of Labor answered more questions expanding its Q&As on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), here.
What documents may be required for leave for closure of a school or place of care?
Website notice, letter from the childcare provider, government notice closing the school, or newspaper article
What if the employee