The COVID-19 Crisis - Business Regulation Updates

April 3, 2020

FAQ’s for Employers

The effects on business operations due to COVID-19

As the situation with coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to develop, businesses are experiencing many unforeseen and unprecedented situations and finding ourselves at a loss as to how to ensure employee safety and continue to conduct business under the instability that COVID-19 has brought us to.

Essential Businesses should provide employees with a proof of work letter in the event they are pulled over in transit while conducting essential business duties. Please contact your trusted advisor for more information.

Below are some frequently asked questions that address some of these concerns. Due to the rapidly changing circumstances, the below should only serve as a guide and is subject to change.

What do I do if employees refuse to come to work?

·    If an employee expresses concerns, communicate steps that the company is taking to ensure employee safety (routine cleaning etc).

·    Find out what their main concerns are, and if they disclose, they are high risk, allow them to self-quarantine (FFCRA may apply).

·    If an employee is not high risk, but wants to self-quarantine, offer them an unpaid leave of absence or telework if possible.

Do employers still need to complete documentation under CA WARN?

·    Yes, even though the 60 day WARN act has been suspended, employers still need to complete all documentation as soon as they are able.

What do I do if I cannot afford to pay my employees?

Temporary leave of absence (LOA)

·    Allows employers to keep employees

·    Employees are able to use PTO & collect UI

·    May be FFCR eligible

Layoff

·    May need to issue WARN notices

·    Would need to rehire employees at a later date

Reduction in salary/work hours

·    Good option if some operations are still running

·    Option for employees to Telework

·    Employees can recover difference through UI

On March 12, 2020, the Small Business Association (SBA) announced that it would implement new COVID-19 disaster relief lending.

• To access these emergency loans, you should contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center directly. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

eqHR Solutions' trusted advisors are ready to assist you in your unique needs and are happy to answer any questions that you may have and are still fully prepared to continue to service all of your Human Resource and Payroll needs. Included below is some valuable information that can be applied to all businesses.

If you find that you have a unique situation or would like assistance with a policy or procedure for the current Coronavirus situation, please do not hesitate to contact your assigned trusted advisor or any other member of our team.

June Jeong, CEO

855-461-8808

Email