Businesses of all sizes throughout New Jersey will soon be required to provide paid sick days to their employees. The NJ Legislature has passed a bill imposing mandated statewide paid sick leave obligations most employers. The Governor is expected to sign the bill and it is scheduled to take effect 180 days after its enactment.
Employees, including part-timers, will be entitled to accrue one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. Up to 40 hours per year can be carried over. In addition to taking paid time off for their own illness, employees will be able to take time when a family member is ill; when the employee or a family member is a victim of domestic violence; for closures of school or childcare due a public health concern; and for employees to attend school-related conferences or meetings. Family members are broadly defined and include siblings and grandparents.
The bill also contains record keeping, notice and distribution requirements. Employers will need to review and update existing policies to ensure compliance. This is a big deal and employers will have to get up to speed.
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