US Department of Labor – Paid Sick Leave Provisions
The US Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued notice that covered employers are required to share regarding the recently passed paid sick leave provisions. That notice can be found here: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/posters/FFCRA_Poster_WH1422_Non-Federal.pdf If you are an employer with fewer than 500 employees, you are covered by these new provisions subject to possible exemptions. These leave benefits become effective April 1, 2020. In…
Covid-19 Helpful Links & Resources
For Businesses in the Commonwealth of Virginia: 5/14/2020: EXECUTIVE ORDER 62 – JURISDICTIONS TEMPORARILY DELAYED FROM ENTERING PHASE ONE IN EXECUTIVE ORDER 61 AND PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN PHASE ZERO Executive Order 61, issued on May 8, 2020, and effective at 12:00 a.m., May 15, 2020, eased certain restrictions imposed under Second Amended Executive Order 53 and Executive Order 55…
Covid-19 Article Resources
Webinar: Legal Issues with Bringing Employees Back to the office During the COVID-19 Era Do you know the legal implications of bringing your employees back to the office? Should employees be asked to waive liability to return to work? Can employers require an employee get the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to work? What should an employer do if an employee…
Covid-19 Business Checklist
COVID-19 is creating unprecedented business disruptions around the globe, and it is important to take this situation seriously. Acting with urgency is crucial, but having a plan of attach will mitigate confusion down the road. We recommend focusing on two main points: 1. Health and Safety of Your Office and Your Team: Your health and the health of your team…
Is your work or business considered “essential”?
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the U.S. Department of Defense, and other agencies have issued guidance on industries and workers “essential” to critical infrastructure. They recommend these businesses remain open and prioritized for continuous operations. Industries include: medical and healthcare, telecommunications, information technology systems, defense, food and agriculture, transportation and logistics, energy, water and…
NEW OMB GUIDANCE ENCOURAGING FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS
In an attempt to mitigate the unfolding COVID-19 public health emergency, state and local governments have started issuing “lockdown” or “stay-at-home” orders. Generally, the state lockdown orders have directed that all businesses utilize telecommuting or work-from-home procedures to the maximum extent practicable. Where telework is impractical, some states are only permitting essential businesses to remain open. Companies with operations in…
Covid-19 Resources
OFP Covid-19 Articles OFP’s COVID Response Team is ready to assist clients, businesses and individuals as the world adjusts to the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our attorneys are prepared to help you find creative solutions that help you weather these unprecedented times. Response Team Lead Attorney: Bruce Blanchard Direct Dial: Employment issues (Examples: temporary salary reductions, furloughs…
IRS Extends Tax Payment Deadline
Businesses and individuals now will have until July 15 to file and pay their taxes. This means that you have an additional three months to plan and prepare your returns without having to incur penalties or interest on up to $1 million in tax owed. Businesses will have the same time period to pay amounts due on up to $10…
COVID-19 & Gaining Control Over Your Business Finances
As the coronavirus shifts the way the world works, businesses should take this break in normal operating procedure to re-evaluate their finances. If your business is struggling, OFP recommends the following financial triage: Save as much cash as possible. There are many more options both prior to and after declaring bankruptcy when there is cash on hand and the business…
Update for Employers – Families First Coronavirus Response Act Now Law
On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law and will become effective not later than 15 days later, April 1, 2020(FN1). There are some differences between what was ultimately passed and what was summarized in our early article from March 16, 2020. In particular, the Act still provides two weeks (80 hours) of paid…