COVID-19 UPDATE: Unemployment and more...

CT Recovery Bridge Loan Program

Overview

To provide emergency cash flow relief to small businesses and nonprofits negatively impacted by the coronavirus, Connecticut is now offering qualifying organizations with 100 or fewer employees access to no-interest loans... More Info

COVID-19 FOR WORKERS & EMPLOYERS FAQ

Can I require my employees to stay home if they are sick with COVID-19?

Yes, you can require your employee to stay home. However, you should issue the employee an Unemployment Separation Package, found here.

Your employee may file for unemployment benefits and a determination will be made concerning their eligibility. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. However, please note that an individual must be physically able and available for full time work in order to qualify for unemployment benefits, unless the individual has a note from a physician stating that the individual is only available for part time work.

If I have to close the doors of my business for 14 days because an employee is sick and other employees need to be isolated, how do my employees file for unemployment benefits?

Please direct your employees to www.filectui.com and click the blue button to file their new claim for unemployment benefits.

• For ongoing weekly continued claims filing, employees should go to www.filectui.com and click the green button. 

• The agency issues important emails throughout the initial claim filing process. Please advise your employees to look for these emails and read them carefully for next steps.
  
  If I have to close the doors of my business for 14 days because an employee is sick and other employees need to be isolated, will I be liable for unemployment benefit charges?

• You will be liable in the same way you would be for a layoff or a shut down.

• If the President declares a disaster that includes Connecticut and your company, it is

  possible you may not be liable.

  Is there an alternative to laying off my employees if business has slowed down as a result of COVID-19?

• Yes. The Department of Labor offers a SharedWork program which is a smart alternative to a layoff. The program allows employers to reduce the hours of full- time employees by as much as 60 percent, while their workers collect partial unemployment benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages.

• All employers with two or more full-time or permanent part-time employees can participate in the program, which is not designed for seasonal separations. To qualify, the business’ reduction of work cannot be less than 10 percent or more than 60 percent. 
  
  http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF

CT DOL'S Shared Work Program Might Reduce Labor Costs without Permanent Layoffs

The Shared Work Program May Work For Your Company

With the impact of COVID-19, many employers are confronting a loss of demand for their goods and services and facing the prospect of laying off employees.  Connecticut employers may have another option: the Shared Work Program. This Program is voluntary and in some instances may provide a potential alternative to permanent layoffs.  It allows an employer to preserve its skilled workforce for when circumstances return to normal, but reduces labor costs in the meantime. More Info