Maryland Department of Labor Releases Guidance on Employer Correspondence with Employees

The Maryland Department of Labor (hereinafter “MDOL”) recently released guidance regarding how employers should manage correspondence to an employee regarding the availability of unemployment compensation.

MDOL suggests that if an employer is sending a letter or email to an employee about the availability of unemployment compensation, the employer should first advise the employee that unemployment benefits are available to workers who are unemployed and meet the Maryland eligibility requirements. The employer should also explain the MDOL requirements to the employee, including any relevant COVID-19 updates. Additionally, the employer should provide the employee with the Maryland unemployment website and a list of possible documentation the employee will need to file an unemployment claim.

If the employer is sending a text message to an employee about the availability of unemployment compensation, MDOL suggests advising the employee that unemployment benefits are available to workers who are unemployed and provide the employee with the Maryland unemployment website.

To access the full MDOL guidance visit: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/forms/uiavailnotice.pdf