Families First Coronavirus Act: paid sick and family leave

On March 18, the Families First Coronavirus Act was signed into law by President Trump.  The Act requires most private employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide paid sick and family leave to employees affected by the Coronavirus.  It also reimburses businesses, through the use of payroll tax credits, to cover the costs of providing such leave.  The Act takes effect on April 2, 2020.  In the meantime, businesses are waiting on the Department of Labor and Department of Treasury to issue more detailed guidance about the new leave program’s implementation.

The expanded sick and family leave requirements are designed to be temporary; the program sunsets on December 31, 2020.

The Act contains many detailed provisions, including some limited exceptions.  To help you navigate this new law, we have summarized some of its key provisions that may affect your business and your employees. See also, the Employer’s Quick Guide to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act