New York has expanded its new sick-leave law to apply to more businesses. Beginning April 1, businesses in New York City with five or more employees must provide up to five paid days off per year to employees if the employees or their relatives become sick. The law as originally passed applied to businesses with 15 or more employees.
More and more cities are implementing sick leave laws, requiring employers to offer additional protections to workers. Seattle Washington, San Francisco California, Portland Oregon, Washington DC, and Jersey City New Jersey all have sick leave requirements. Connecticut passed a state-wide sick leave law.
Employers will want to consider sick leave as part of the benefits offered to employees, and employers in the locations with sick leave mandates should check for compliance with applicable laws and regulations.