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 […]
Updated Resources and Guidance from USDOL and OSHA
Apprenticeships: A Discover Apprenticeship campaign launched this week aims to raise awareness about the benefits of apprenticeship and encourage employers to create apprenticeship programs. Click here. Release: The Department announced revised regulations to clarify paid leave requirements under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Click here. Guidance: Using cloth face coverings while working outdoors in […]
Revised Regulations Implementing Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave Under FFCRA
On September 11, USDOL’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) posted revisions to regulations that implemented the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions of the FFCRA. The revisions made by the new rule clarify workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities under the FFCRA’s paid leave provisions, in light of the U.S. District Court […]
Webinar: What Manufacturers Need to Know About Payroll Tax Deferral
AIV’s national allies and partners at NAM are hosting a webinar this Wednesday September 2 from 3:00 to 3:45 pm to discuss President’s executive order on the deferral of employee payroll tax obligations and the recently-released guidance to implement this policy, which takes effect this week. It will provide an overview of the policy and […]
Federal Funding for Increased Unemployment through Lost Wages Assistance Program
Governor Scott has announced that the state has applied for, and received, an initial grant award of $35.8 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Other Needs Assistance, or Lost Wage Assistance (LWA), program. The LWA program provides an additional $300 per week to eligible individuals filing for unemployment insurance. The first […]