On May 2, Governor Murphy signed the New Jersey Paid Sick Leave Act into law, requiring New Jersey employers to provide up to forty (40) hours of paid sick leave per year to covered employees. The law applies to all employers in the State of New Jersey, including temporary help service firms, but excludes public employers required to provide their employees with sick leave. The new law will go into effect on October 29, 2018 and preempts all existing and future municipal ordinances in New Jersey regarding paid sick time.

Who is a Covered Employee?

The Act covers most employees working in the State of New Jersey. Employees in the construction industry, employed under a collective bargaining agreement, per diem health care employees, and public employees who already have sick leave benefits are specifically excluded from the Act.

Employer Action

Employers should review their current paid time off and sick leave policies to determine compliance with the Act and determine whether they will need to implement new policies or amend existing policies. Employers should also review their employee handbooks and make any necessary revisions. Finally, employers should keep their eyes open for the model notice from the Department.

Please click for further information.

New Jersey Enacts Paid Sick Leave Law – 050818R