U.S. Labor Department Issues New Guidance On Paid Sick And Expanded Family And Medical Leave
On Friday, April 3, the U.S. Department of Labor announced additional guidance on paid sick and expanded medical leave provisions that went into effect on April 1. Under these provisions, companies with less than 500 employees must provide up to two weeks of paid sick leave and up to an additional ten weeks of paid family and medical leave to employees impacted by COVID-19. (Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are exempt specifically for cases in which a child’s school or child care provider has closed.)
According to the DOL’s updated guidance, employees who do not receive a medical diagnosis or advice from a health care provider won’t be eligible. Employees who seek newly mandated sick leave must be able to cite medical advice to do so. DOL also has released:
- A fact sheet for employees;
- A fact sheet employers;
- Questions and answers about posting requirements; and
- A Field Assistance Bulletin describing a 30-day non-enforcement policy
For more information about the laws enforced by WHD, call 866-4US-WAGE, or visit: