(Newswire.net — August 9, 2020) — Nothing is quite the same in the midst of this pandemic. In particular, it has greatly affected the workplace and employment in general. Right now, let us take a close and detailed look at five changes to employment law in the time of COVID-19.
#1 First Coronavirus Response Act
To start things off, the First Coronavirus Response Act is the primary way the government is combating the pandemic. This act works in tandem with acts mentioned below to provide relief to workers. Workers are protected against discrimination based on the coronavirus. Because the duration of COVID-19 is unknown, this act will last as long as needed. The Coronavirus Response Act applies to all employees within the country regardless of whether they are full time or part time. As the number of cases rises, this act is revised to update the latest findings.
#2 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act
Next, the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act has also been amended. Now, COVID-19 hospitalization is eligible for paid sick leave. Because these factors are largely out of the employee’s control, they are able to use sick leave however they wish. Workers simply need to submit a form online that will be formally approved by the government. In this regard, they don’t have to give a notice a certain number of hours in advance. Experts are well aware of how fast the virus can spread and that many workers won’t have time to properly react.
#3 Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act
The Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act works in a similar vein. COVID-19 has been proclaimed an official emergency that falls into this category. Medical leave due to the virus is permissible in all states and counties. Moreover, families of workers will be protected in a similar manner. Health always comes first, and employment law has been modified to reflect this. For an extended absence of over seven days, employees are considered to officially be on leave. After a month, they need to negotiate a further course of action with their employer.
#4 Flexible Taxes
Taxes for 2021 are largely up the air. Depending how the pandemic plays out, the deadline could be extended by a number of months. In addition, there could be more flexible policies for employees. Right now, it’s fair to say that 2021 taxes will be much more open than in the past. If you aren’t sure how to file your taxes, wait for more information from the government. COVID-19 has left everyone with many unknowns and uncertainties.
#5 Loss of Employment
Last but not least, loss of employment is always a possibility. Companies are struggling to stay afloat in these difficult times, and layoffs could be just around the corner. If this does become a reality, the law states that your employer must give you advance notice. They also need to file an official report that attributes the cause to the coronavirus. Regardless, you can rest assured that you are protected by the law before, during and after the transition. You will receive your monthly payment in some shape or form.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are a couple of important changes to employment law in the time of COVID-19. Work can definitely continue as normal, but you and your employer need to be very careful on a daily basis. Think about these modifications to employment law as you navigate the workplace.