Beginning October 1, 2013, New Jersey employers with 25 or more employees will be required to offer 20 days of job-protected leave to employees who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and their family members. Employers are also prohibited from taking adverse employment action against an employee who takes the leave.
An employee will be eligible for the leave if the employee has worked for the employer for at least 12 months and for at least 1000 hours during the 12 month period before the leave. The leave must be taken with 12 months of the event, and may be used to seek or receive medical treatment, get services from a victim service organization, obtain counseling, participate in safety activities, seek legal assistance, or participate in court proceedings.
Employers in New Jersey should become familiar with the new law and plan for how it will be administered within their organization.
