FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2020
St. John’s, NL – To continue to help businesses in the province during the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, WorkplaceNL is further deferring the collection of assessment payments from employers until after August 31, 2020 (from June 30, 2020), and waiving interest charges or penalties.
The deferral will be applied to all existing payment plans and post-dated cheques. Employers do not need to contact WorkplaceNL.
The interest-free payment plan has also been extended past 2020, so employers can pay by installments from September 2020 – March 31, 2021. Employers that may need other payment arrangements can contact WorkplaceNL.
Employers can revise their 2020 payroll estimates, used to calculate their assessment payable, before payments are reinstated.
Employers pay assessments to WorkplaceNL to cover expected costs of workplace injuries, return-to-work programs, prevention initiatives and administration of the workers’ compensation system.
Employers with questions, or who want to reactivate their payment plan, can email clearance@workplacenl.ca or call 709.778.1125 or 1.800.563.9000 (extension 1125).
WorkplaceNL continues to monitor the situation and feedback from its employer clients.
Quotes
This short-term relief from payments for workplace injury coverage, with more flexible payment options later in the year, is another way to help employers navigate the financial uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is balanced with responsibly managing the employer-funded injury fund so it can provide coverage for employers and benefits for their workers now, and into the future. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting the business community during this challenging time.
– Min. Tom Osborne, Minister responsible for WorkplaceNL
WorkplaceNL continues to adjust to help support its clients at this time. We recognize the difficulties that employers face, some have paused operations and others have reduced revenue-earning capacity. Deferring payments to WorkplaceNL is one of many measures now available from various sources to help businesses of all sizes cope with unexpected changes in their operations.
– Dennis Hogan, CEO, WorkplaceNL
Dennis Hogan, CEO, WorkplaceNL is available for telephone interviews.
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Related Links
WorkplaceNL’s COVID-19 Client Service Updates
About WorkplaceNL
Serving approximately 13,000 injured workers and 17,500 employers, WorkplaceNL administers an employer-funded, no-fault insurance system that promotes safe and healthy workplaces, provides return-to-work programs and offers compensation to injured workers and their dependents.
Media contact:
Carla Riggs, Director of Communications
709.778.1590 or carla.riggs@workplacenl.ca