Massachusetts’ Earned Sick Time is now the law

On July 1st, 2015, the new Massachusetts’ Earned Sick Time Law will take effect. All employers, regardless of employer size, will be required to provide earned sick time to all employees (full time, part time, seasonal, temporary, interns). Employers with 11 or more employees must provide paid sick leave. Employers with less than 11 employees must provide unpaid sick leave.

The final regulations issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on June 23, 2015 contain significant changes. An employer is considered to have 11 or more employees if the employer maintained an average of 11 or more employees during the previous benefit year. The average number of employees during a benefit year will be determined by counting the number of all employees (full time, part time, seasonal, temporary, interns) on the payroll during each pay period and dividing by the number of pay periods.

Beginning on July 1st, 2015, you must:

  • Track the accrual and use of earned sick time for all employees
  • Post the Earned Sick Time Notice of Employee Rights in a conspicuous location accessible to all employees
  • Provide a hard copy or electronic copy of the Earned Sick Time Notice of Employee Rights to all employees or include the employer’s policy on earned sick time or the employer’s allowable substitute paid leave policy in any manual or handbook

For more information on the Massachusetts’ Earned Sick Time Law, please refer to our FAQ at https://www.stevenmellardcpa.com/resources/faq-mass-sick-time-law or contact us!