AIV and other business organizations are working together to encourage the state’s Legislature and the Administration to prioritize public health and economic recovery as we enter the second year of the COVID-19 crisis. We hope you will take a moment to complete the survey linked below to help us in this effort. Your answers will […]
Additional Guidance for Employees Regarding FFCRA Paid Leave
The requirement that employers provide paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) expired on December 31. The US Wage and Hour Division has issued some additional related guidance in the form of FFCRA Questions and Answers: I was eligible for leave under the FFCRA in […]
COVID-19 Testing: Now More Options for Vermonters
Vermonters can get tested for COVID-19 at more than 15 regular locations throughout the state, with more of them now open daily. Vermonters can still spread the virus even when you don’t have symptoms. If someone has been in a higher risk situation, like a social gathering, or learned that someone they live or work […]
Key COVID Related UI Benefits Extended with New Federal Legislation
Federal COVID relief legislation just enacted includes provisions to extend the unemployment insurance programs created under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) programs have been extended, and the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program has been reinstated, providing an additional $300 […]
New Changes to Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave Provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) and Related Employer Obligations and Compensation
The new COVID relief legislation enacted December 27 made important changes to note regarding paid leave provisions of the FFCRA. As you know, FFCRA created COVID-19 related mandatory paid sick and family leave coverage, with employers able to seek reimbursement through payroll tax credits. The original FFCRA provisions expire December 31; however, under the new […]
Weekly Pandemic Information & Webinar Series for Vermont Businesses
Join the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development for a weekly webinar series focused on health and commerce pandemic updates for the business community. Decision makers from the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, the Vermont Department of Health, and the Vermont Department of Public Safety will […]
Department of Labor Alerts Vermonters to Active Phishing and Other Scams
The Vermont Department of Labor has received multiple reports of fraudulent communications relating to unemployment insurance benefits being sent to Vermonters. The Department reminds Vermonters filing for UI to be diligent in preventing fraud and to report any potential fraud to the Department of Labor and Attorney General’s Office. On Monday and early Tuesday morning, […]
Updated Guidance and Resources from USDOL and OSHA
Protecting Seasonal Worker Safety and Pay The Department recently reminded employers of their responsibility to protect worker safety and pay during the holiday season. Click here. Release on Cloth Face Coverings OSHA updated FAQs addressing using cloth face coverings as personal protective equipment. Click here. Generator Safety Alert A new OSHA alert provides tips to keep […]
Unemployment Insurance Tax Increases Looming, As Are Challenges in Addressing Them
Not surprisingly, the health of the Unemployment Trust Fund and the taxes on employers required to maintain it are shaping up to be significant issues for Vermont employers going into 2021. Unfortunately, the end of the recent legislative session shows that dealing with these issues will be challenging. AIV will be leading efforts to address […]
Unemployment Insurance Fraud
Unemployment Insurance fraud has become a significant problem because of the volume of regular unemployment compensation and pandemic unemployment claims filed due to COVID-19. On September 21, the USDOL Office of Inspector General (OIG) released the Unemployment Insurance Fraud Consumer Protection Guide with links to state workforce agencies and tips to avoid and respond […]