Unemployment Update and HR Sources

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect employers in the U.S., the federal government has continued to issue guidance pertaining to unemployment, the latest of which relating to state-level unemployment insurance (UI) flexibilities.

Under this most recent guidance, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), federal law now permits states to amend their UI benefits laws and to pay benefits in scenarios including:

1. An employer temporarily ceases operations due to COVID-19, preventing employees from coming to work
2. An individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work after the quarantine is over
3. An individual leaves employment due to a risk of exposure of infection or to care for a family member

Important note: Federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive benefits due to COVID-19’s impact.

To learn more details regarding your area’s specific legal standards, plus other valuable employment-related information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the suggested resources below.

Top Resources

To find specific information regarding your area’s UI benefits laws, CareerOneStop hosts a searchable portal through which you can access links to general information, links to claim-filing resources, and links to resources noting legal updates pertaining to state benefits.

Another valuable resource is the DOL’s COVID-19 and the American Workplace webpage, which includes various employment-related fact sheets, Q&As, posters, and a Field Assistance Bulletin on the Temporary Non-Enforcement Period Applicable to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has a COVID-19 resources page on its website that HR professionals can reference as they navigate through this busy time. SHRM’s communications include e-learning and a daily newsletter to help keep you informed and part of the evolving conversation.

Finally, Nonprofit HR, a firm focused on talent management needs and human resources for nonprofit organizations, has populated a Coronavirus Digital Information Portal on its website. The webpage includes information on COVID-19 and how nonprofits and HR professionals can best go about serving their organizations and communities effectively. Plus, they host a weekly town hall webinar series for speakers and attendees to virtually discuss any issues related to working through this pandemic.