Alabama Employers Now Required to Notify Separated Employees of the Availability of Unemployment Compensation
Click here to view a .pdf copy of the entire alert.
The Alabama Department of Labor is sending notifications to employers of their obligation to notify newly separated employees of the availability of unemployment compensation.
This new notice requirement has been imposed on employers in states that have accepted Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) funds for unemployment compensation programs.
All Alabama employers are now required to provide notice of the potential availability of unemployment benefits to each employee who separates from their employment, for any reason. This, of course, includes employees who are terminated with or without cause and those who voluntarily resign their employment. Employers may provide notice in the form of a letter, email, text message, or flyer given or sent to each individual undergoing separation.
The Alabama Department of Labor has provided a sample flyer that satisfies the requirement, which can be viewed by clicking here.
This requirement is effective immediately, and the Alabama Department of Labor is working to amend the Alabama Administrative Code to reflect this requirement. Providing this information to employees does not guarantee their receipt of unemployment benefits, but it satisfies the employer’s obligation to provide individual notice of the potential availability of those benefits.
Our employment team is continuing to monitor developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated legislation. As always, please reach out to one of our lawyers for further information and guidance so we can help you with your individual needs.