As unemployment claims spike in North Carolina and across the country, workers are looking to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) to provide relief. The act goes into effect on April 1st, and our founder Laura Noble appeared on WRAL News to talk about how the act may impact employees and employers — particularly its impact on small business owners.
As this crisis continues, our Noble Law COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Task Force will continue to provide our North Carolina and New York communities with coronavirus employment law resources.
Transcript: WRAL News, March 31
Nearly 306,000 people in North Carolina applied for unemployment in just the last two weeks. 87 percent report losing their jobs because of the virus. Today, Five on Your Side spoke with an employment rights attorney who believes we may see more layoffs before the day is out. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act takes effect tomorrow, covering companies with 500 or fewer employees and companies bearing the upfront cost will receive a tax credit from the IRS.
Laura Noble said that many small businesses simply don’t have the money to support paid leave for those who may qualify.
Laura Noble:
“I think we may see some fallout today. I think we may see a number of businesses make a decision to terminate everyone or a large number of their employees and take that loss rather than have a large number of employees — continuous paid employees — not contribute to any work of the business.”
The Noble Law Stands Ready
Our employment law firm is doing its part to help contain the spread of COVID-19/Coronavirus, and our entire staff is working remotely. But, that doesn’t mean that we aren’t still working hard for our clients every single day. We are a technology-driven employment law firm, and our digital doors are open!
We have video consultations during regular business hours, and even after-hours and weekends by request, so that we can help you deal with any workplace legal issues you may have. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our employment law attorneys.