YOUR SMALL BUSINESS IS NOT ELIGIBLE
A small business is exempt from certain paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave requirements if providing an employee such leave would jeopardize the viability of the business as a going concern.
This means a small business is exempt from mandated paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave requirements only if the:
• Employer employs fewer than 50 employees
• Leave is required because the child’s school or place of care is closed, or child care provider is unavailable, due to COVID-19 related reasons
• An authorized officer of the business has determined that at least one of the following three conditions is satisfied:
• The provision of paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave would result in the small business’s expenses and financial obligations exceeding available business revenues and cause the small business to cease operating at a minimal capacity
• The absence of the employee or employees requesting paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave would entail a substantial risk to the financial health or operational capabilities of the small business because of their specialized skills, knowledge of the business, or responsibilities
• There are not sufficient workers who are able, willing, and qualified, and who will be available at the time and place needed, to perform the labor or services provided by the employee or employees requesting paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave, and these labor or services are needed for the small business to operate at minimal capacity.
The Department of Labor encourages employers and employees to collaborate to reach the best solution for maintaining the business and ensuring employee safety.