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COVID-19 Workplace Considerations – What You Need to Know

On April 1, Berchem Moses PC presented a Virtual HR Bootcamp to cover Employment Law implications of COVID-19 including the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.  Speakers for this session were Attorneys Paula N. Anthony, and Rebecca Goldberg. Attached is the PowerPoint presentation that was discussed in the meeting. As everyone works to keep up with the rapid developments […]

Bureau of Special Education Guidance Addresses Special Education Programming, Communication and Compliance During COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 24, the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Bureau of Special Education (“BSE”) issued a Letter to Superintendents addressing the provision of continued educational opportunities and special education during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Based in part on prior guidance issued by the United States Department of Education (“DOE”) and executive orders issued by Governor Ned Lamont, the Letter addresses (1) […]

DOL Clarifies Some Aspects of Emergency Coronavirus Leave Provisions

The U.S. Department of Labor issued a “Questions and Answers” document providing much-needed clarification of some of the provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”).  The document is available here.  This article addresses just a few of the issues clarified by the guidance.  If you are not familiar with the basics of FFCRA, a thorough explanation of […]

CARES Act Provides Federal Relief – How it Affects Unemployment Compensation

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law on Friday, March 27th, providing $2 trillion in relief to individuals, businesses, and state and local governments.  The law provides enhanced benefits to employees and relief for certain employers under the Unemployment Compensation systems of states, provided that the states enter into […]

State and Federal Departments of Labor Update Notices to Employees

Connecticut DOL Pink Slip Update In response to the current public health crisis related to COVID-19, Connecticut’s Department of Labor has updated the form provided to employees when they are discharged, laid off, or furloughed to add “leave of absence” under “Reason for Unemployment”.  Employers should use this form effective immediately.  The updated form can […]

Department of Education Offers Flexibility, Encourages Cooperation to Provide Students with FAPE During COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 21, the United States Department of Education’s Offices for Civil Rights and Special Education Programs (“OCR” and “OSEP”) issued a joint guidance document affirming every school district’s obligation to continue providing a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”) to students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also acknowledging the impact of school closures […]

Student Privacy Policy Office Offers Insights for Virtual Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic

School districts across the state are working hard to provide virtual learning opportunities to public school students while buildings remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing education must, however, be provided in compliance with federal and state privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”).  This week, the United States Department of […]

DOL Poster on Coronavirus Relief Causes Confusion

Careful readers of the new Department of Labor poster explaining employee rights under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act noticed what may be an error, or at least very confusing language.  The third bullet point suggests that an employee can receive up to $12,000 for paid sick leave and emergency FMLA for 10 weeks of […]