Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

The Department of Labor (DOL) published its initial guidance for employers on the FFCRA. The model notice is available HERE

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.

These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

The initial guidance states that the FFCRA takes effect April 1, 2020, which means there is no requirement to start providing paid leave under the Act until April 1, 2020. 

Many employers have already begun providing the paid leave as a means of helping their employees now, rather than waiting for the technical effective date of the Act.  The DOL guidance unfortunately does not address whether employers will get tax credit for paid leave they provide between March 18 (the date the FFCRA was signed into law) and March 31, 2020.  

Hopefully, further guidance from the DOL or IRS will provide a clear answer for employers.

Today’s initial DOL guidance addresses some important questions under the FFCRA, such as how an employer must count the number of their employees to determine coverage; how small businesses can obtain an exemption; how to count hours for part-time employees; and how to calculate the wages employees are entitled to when they use the paid leave provided by the law.  The new guidance is HEREand HERE.

We will provide further updates as additional guidance is published this week.

Artemiste is committed to helping our clients navigate through these ever-changing HR challenges. We will continue to publish updates as they become available. We are available to answer any questions pertaining to employee relations issues during the crisis and beyond. 

Discover Our Expertise - Artemisteoffers a wide range of Human Resources services to help your business needs. We understand the challenges employers are facing and will work with you to ensure you have the best guidance and tools available. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation

Aisling Byrne, SHRM-SCP, CEBS, CMS, CPLPis the CHRO and CTLO at Artemistewhere creating great places to work is our passion. Ms. Byrne is a frequent contributor to the Artemiste blog on many topics including onboarding, talent development, performance management, compensation planning, employee engagement, total rewards and learning and development.