Tips for Caregivers Who Could Lose Their Jobs During Covid

Many caregivers balance caregiving responsibilities with full or part time jobs. This can be a difficult workload to manage, even under the best of circumstances. With the persistence of the Covid pandemic, caregivers seem to be facing unprecedented challenges. Are you a caregiver who could lose your job during Covid? Let us discuss some tips that may be helpful to you.

First of all, you should be familiar with your legal rights. There are several laws that could impact when and whether you can take leave to care for a family member who has COVID-19 or a child whose school has closed for reasons related to COVID-19. Leave may be covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or it may be covered under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The Americans with Disabilities Act, however, does not require accommodations, like telecommuting, for an employee without disabilities based on his or her care of a high-risk person. An employer, however, may choose to offer more flexibility, such as telecommuting or schedule modifications, so long as they are not treating employees differently based on sex or other EEO-protected classes. 

Do not be afraid to ask for what you want. Even if your organization may not be bound to follow laws like the FMLA, companies should consider the best practices for supporting workers with caregiving responsibilities. Ask what your employer’s policies and procedures are, and let your supervisor know what you need in order to be successful at work and, while also caregiving. If you do not believe that your supervisor is taking your requests seriously, consider reporting your concerns to human resources. Follow up on your requests in writing, and always document your efforts. 

If you believe that your employer has treated you unfairly or you are being discriminated against because of your caregiving responsibilities, it may be time to talk with a knowledgeable employment attorney. A competent attorney can explain the specific procedures to follow to bring a claim against your employer, and they can guide you through the process. We are your local, experienced, law firm! Do not hesitate to call, chat or click here to contact us today!