Re-opening for Georgia businesses that have been closed during the pandemic or have provided only limited service will be a process. That is, businesses generally cannot just throw open their doors and resume pre-pandemic business as usual. In addition to the sanitizing, distancing and other health protections and concerns, employers are concerned about bringing employees back to work – especially in light of the increased unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits to which they are entitled under the CARES Act and concern […]
Read MoreGeorgia Department of Labor Update Regarding Unemployment Claims Released April 15, 2020 Thank you very much for your continued support of the Georgia Department of Labor. We are in uncharted waters with claims for unemployment and we appreciate your help with Employer Filed Claims. This helps us to get benefits out to your employees quicker, faster, and more efficiently. We are here to help you as we all come together to help Georgians. Employer Filed (Partial) Claims: All Georgia employers […]
Read MoreWHAT ARE THE TERMS OF THE BUSINESS LOANS UNDER THE CARES ACT Prepared by Lisa F. Harper Download This Guide: Terms of Business Loans under the Cares Act The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was passed by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday night, March 25. As of this writing at 1:35 on March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was just approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and is on its way to the President. […]
Read MoreTFH LEGAL BLOG Will My Lender Give Me Any Relief as a Result of the Economic Effects of the Pandemic? By Lisa F. Harper, Esq. Whether a lender is willing to modify terms of a loan or defer payments as a result of the Coronavirus is of course up to each lender. BUT – the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC) issued a press release earlier this month (March 17 press release) stating that Federal financial institution regulators and state […]
Read MoreTFH LEGAL BLOG Will a “Force Majeure” Contract Provision Help a Business With Its Creditors, Lenders and Landlords as a Result of the Pandemic? By Lisa F. Harper, Esq. Force Majeure is a French term meaning superior force. Certain contract provisions are referred to as “force majeure” because they allow a party to the contract to avoid or delay performance of its obligations when certain circumstances beyond its control arise. Exactly which circumstances that are considered to be such a […]
Read MoreDownload this guide here. By Lisa F. Harper, Esq. How does an employer protect the physical spread of the virus in its offices or facilities? Among other policies, the employer should institute policies requiring employees to: Clean hands frequently and before and after entry into the employer facility; washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol; Avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth; Stop handshaking […]
Read MoreDownload this guide here. By Lisa F. Harper, Esq. in conversation with the DOL Is an employee entitled to unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits if the employee is laid off due to coronavirus concerns or business interruption or slow down? Yes, employees, subject to certain limited eligibility requirements are entitled to what is called partial unemployment insurance benefits in such a situation. Who files for the employee’s partial UI benefits in connection with a layoff or furlough related to coronavirus? The […]
Read MoreDownload this guide here. By Lisa F. Harper, Esq. Do I have to allow time off for employees who are ill, quarantined, taking care of ill or quarantined family members or children out of school or child care as a result of this crisis and do I have to pay for it? Yes, the U.S. Congress passed H.R. 6201 known as the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act on March 18 which the President then signed. The Act provides, […]
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