2020 has been a year of attrition by all means. HR managers are all abated with managing business and without the standard rulebook. As we enter the 4th quarter taxes, charges, staffing, sales, and now COVID workforce outbreaks are all prevalent on our mind. In this newsletter we will attempt to break down three of the aforementioned stressors and provide information to aide you in navigating the final stretch before ending this pandemic year.
What to expect: 4th Quarter 2020 Charges
Important Information: PA UI RELIEF FROM CHARGES
COVID-19 Relief from Charges for Employers
((This information is taken directly from PA UI Website 10/27/2020))
We are aware that employers’ UC-640 charge statements are indicating that employers are being charged for all benefits. All charges which are a result of separation due to COVID-19 will receive credits, retroactively. You do NOT need to contact us, and you do NOT need to send in any paper work. The department is working on the programming needed to grant automatic relief from charges. Benefit charging will resume after the governor declares an end to the pandemic disaster. The UC-640 charge statement shows you all the individuals you would otherwise be charged for if they continue filing benefits after the disaster is ended.
Protecting Nonprofits from Catastrophic Cash Flow Strain Act (S.4209)
On August 3, 2020, the Protecting Nonprofits from Catastrophic Cash Flow Strain Act was enacted into law. This Act amends the CARES Act and now allows for reimbursable employers that are eligible to receive reimbursement (those that did not pay the Solvency Fee for calendar year 2020) to only pay 50% of the amount due on eligible benefit charges. Previously the CARES Act required that 100% of the benefit charges for the billing period be paid before the 50% reimbursement could be applied. The Department will post the reimbursement to the billing period once the funding for that billing period has been received from the US Treasury. The reimbursement amount will be reflected as a payment/credit on your account and will be applied to the appropriate billing period. If an overpayment exists after the 50% reimbursement is applied, a credit will be created that may be used to pay future benefit charge amounts due.
Questions regarding this information may be directed to the UC Employer Contact Center at 1-866-403-6163 which is staffed weekdays, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Many states are following this protocol. UCM is staying abreast of this information.
Be assured that as your UI tax professionals we will be vigilant in auditing, verifying, and assuring that your UI tax account is not overcharged and the terms the states have set is enforced and applied.
The time has never been more important to have UCM’s tax auditing services.
What to expect: The Workplace and Creating a Bubble
2020 has without argument changed many systems in healthcare, logistic, and certainly retail industries. Many businesses have tried to have their workforce work from home.
We feel the one industry to open to an efficient modified operation plan is professional sports. Surprisingly enough the work bubble has worked for staffing applications. Understanding that in other business controlling and restricting your employee’s whereabouts is not an option, working from home is an option.
Have a plan to limit, control, and moderate any outbreaks that are most probable in the winter months. If employees must report to the workplace, take a note from first responders in limiting exposure to sources outside the workplace and the home.
We suggest creating a personalized memo that affirms your appreciation for them and outlining the importance of their part in staying healthy. UCM has HR and legal professionals to assist you if you would like to create a personalized memo.
In short, the memo should contain the following components:
a. Note your company’s appreciation for their dedication that the sacrifice that they will make in staying healthy while participating in a productive workforce.
b. Give guidelines set forth from professionals for mask wearing, hand washing, ventilation, and limiting outside exposure at social gatherings. This is especially important for workplace employees.
c. Set goals and outline expectations on sales quotas or other productivity barometers that will also serve as a visual aide.
d. Offer employee COVID testing, take temperatures as employees enter a workplace. The goal is to maintain and retain accountability. Offer all the necessary health equipment to assist employees with maintaining a COVID free 4th and 1st quarter.