Update on the original post below: The recording of the virtual town hall meeting discussed below can be accessed by clicking here. The Department is also working through the several hundred questions they did not have time to address. We should be providing more updates as available. The Vermont Department of Labor has announced that […]
IRS Provides New Guidance on Family Leave and Tax Credits
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) provides small and midsize employers refundable tax credits that reimburse them for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave wages to their employees for leave related to COVID-19. Today the IRS released new guidance on tax credits authorized in the “phase two” COVID-19 bill to help […]
Update on Financial Assistance Resources
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law to assist business owners with immediate financial needs, is still in the process of being fully implemented and guidance and regulations developed. It will provide many new resources available for businesses. To help you get started, Vermont’s Agency for Commerce and Community Development offers the […]
US Department of Labor Issues Temporary Rule for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
USDOL’s Wage and Hour Division has posted a preliminary version of a temporary rule issuing regulations pursuant to FFCRA. You can review the language of the temporary rule clicking here, however, please note the following disclaimer: “This temporary rule has been submitted to the Office of the Federal Register (OFR) for publication, and is currently […]
Identifying Critical/Essential Businesses, Addressing Questions and Recommendations
As Vermont’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order and related guidance have been implemented, updated, and are expected to be extended, there have been many questions about which companies are considered critical/essential, which are not, how criteria have changed or should change, and more. To help identify the needs and answer the questions of Vermont employers […]
Critical Guidance for Companies Operating or Planning for Return to Operation
If you are continuing operations as a critical/essential business, or if you are planning for the eventual resumption of operations while COVID-19 remains an ongoing concern, it is important to review key guidelines for safe operations. Below are some key resources. You should also review the Best Practices links which can be found at the […]
Key State Agency Resources
Agency of Commerce and Community Development ACCD is a leading state agency for centralizing resources for Vermont employers and providing or referring questions and assistance. Employers should review their resources, several of which we have featured on our page here. ACCD COVID-19 Recovery Resource Center Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance and related issues are among […]
Clarification on Interstate Commuters/Freight to and from Critical/Essential Businesses
The Governor has issued an updated order that “any person, resident or non-resident, travelling into Vermont for anything other than an essential purpose, must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days or the balance of 14 days dating from the day of arrival.” To be clear, as quoted from the order: “Essential purpose” for purposes of this […]
Additional Guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
Over the weekend, the US Department of Labor added additional Questions and Answers to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers. The updated Q&As address many key questions, and there are now 59 questions addressed, including answers to the following: If my employer closes my worksite on or after April 1, 2020 (the […]
CDC Provides Key Highlights for COVID-19 Guidance for Manufacturers
Responding to requests from manufacturers and associations around the country led by our national allies at NAM, the CDC has provided highlights from updated guidance on how to operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak that are of particular use to manufacturers. The CDC sent a letter to NAM (click here) along with additional key points […]