Many of our business clients are having to layoff employees, or let them go entirely, as a result of the “Stay at Home” Order from the State. Fortunately, the State has taken some action to lessen the financial sting; it most cases your rating will not increase.
This is the answer provided by the Department of Labor:
Frequently Asked Questions
EMPLOYERS
Q: What impact does the bill (H.742) signed by Governor Phil Scott on March 30, 2020 have on Vermont employers?
A: The bill will provide the following relief for employers:
Employer’s experience ratings will not be charged for benefits paid to employees for any of the COVID-19 related reasons (as detailed in Employee question ‘Am I eligible for benefits‘)
- If Employer rehires or offers to rehire employees within a reasonable time, employer will also be relieved of charges for up to eight weeks where:
- Employer temporarily ceased operations in response to request from a public health authority, emergency order from the Governor or President, or actual exposure to COVID-19 at the workplace;
- Employee becomes unemployed due to a state of emergency declaration or order/ directive of the President or Governor; or Employee isolates or quarantines at recommendation of medical professional or public health authority.
Q: What if I am forced shut down my business due to COVID-19 impact? Are my employees eligible for unemployment benefits?
A: If you are forced to temporarily shut down business operations, your employees will likely be eligible for unemployment benefits, assuming they meet all other eligibility criteria, and have a return to work date that occurs before the 10-week maximum. Under this circumstance, unemployment insurance claims made by impacted employees will be charged against the employer’s account.