Gainey Law, PLLC Seattle Employment Law Attorney

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Here are there top questions of the week: My job is considered essential, but I have some health issues that put me at risk. Do I have to keep working? No. Even if your work is considered essential, you should not put yourself at risk. It’s preferable to stay attached to your employer if possible. Let your employer know that you cannot return until it is safe. Under new rules, you can qualify for unemployment benefits if you are at high risk and are staying home based on medical advice about the dangers related to that risk. File for unemployment and notify your employer when you can return.* Gainey Law Note: However, the risk must be to you personally the analysis may be different if the at risk person is a family member.  My employer has reduced my hours. Do I have to quit to get unemployment? You can apply for benefits and keep working if you were hired to work full time and have your hours temporarily reduced by less than 60 percent. Report the income earned ...

If you are a worker and your employer owes you unpaid wages you can file a complaint with the Department of Labor and Industry Dear Washington State Employers, Please take a deep breath and assess your options before laying off or terminating workers right now. The CARES Act that just passed will provide "loans" to businesses with employees who retain those employees. The loans may be forgiven for employers who retain staff over a period of time. If you do lay off or fire your staff - pay them what you owe them . That is still the law. Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program, one of the largest sections of the CARES Act, is the most important provision in the new stimulus bill for most small businesses. This new program sets aside $350 billion in government-backed loans from private banks that can, in some cases, be converted to grants, which means that if you meet the requirements you won't need to pay the loan back. H...